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RFL ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2013 WELCOMING THE WORLD RFL ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2013 WELCOMING THE WORLD OUR MISSION AND VALUES OUR PEOPLE Board of Directors 2-7 Our People are at the heart of our corporate agenda. The RFL recognises that without their commitment, 2013 8-11 professionalism and expertise in delivering customer Domestic Season service excellence it would be unable to achieve Reviews 12-18 its goals. We are committed to providing ongoing Staff & Player investment to their learning and development to achieve Welfare 19-21 the highest standards. We fully support all opportunities for employment, career progression and development, Womens Rugby irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender, disability or League 22 religion through our equality and diversity action plan. Match Offi cials 23 The RFL’s core values were developed in a consultation Schools, Students process with staff, and we believe that these values & Touch Rugby 24-27 remain relevant today. We are all committed to ensuring The New League that we continue to embed these values with our Structure 28-29 colleagues. The values can be summarised as Fair, Care, Share and Dare and are defi ned as: Commercial Operations 30-31 FAIR – We are Fair, open, honest and inclusive Corporate Social demonstrating integrity to all. Responsibilities 32-37 CARE – We Care for our stakeholders, the International environment and the sport. Game 38-39 SHARE – We Share through teamwork, open Festival of communication and spreading best practice. World Cups 40-41 DARE – We Dare to achieve our objectives through innovation. Financial Report & Highlights 42-48 The RFL and its employees believe that by following our values we will ensure that the RFL is delivering the best service to all its stakeholders, whilst being an employer of choice. OUR COMMUNITIES As a leading National Sports Governing Body we are committed to transforming our local communities by delivering an approach to corporate social responsibility encompassing cash donations, support for volunteering, environmentally friendly practices and investment in our people. In line with this commitment we have supported a number of sports related charities including THE RUGBY the RFL Benevolent Fund, the RFL Facilities Trust, FOOTBALL LEAGUE Rugby League Cares, the Rugby League Foundation Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, and the Rugby League Heritage Trust. We support these , LS17 8NB T: 0844 477 7113 organisations in cash and in kind. We have much more F: 0844 477 0013 under consideration and planned for the future. www.therfl .co.uk

1 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT It would be difficult to conceive of a more exciting time for the sport of Rugby League than the one we are currently progressing through. We have just enjoyed a record breaking 2013 delivering more income and spectators than ever before into the sport. And yet, we are only half way through the journey to an exciting new structure that commences in 2015. On the field our sport continues to excite, excel and entertain while off it, it is respected, valued and highly regarded by broadcasters, commercial partners and governmental agencies. The following report takes a brief look at the some of the highlights of the past year and the prospects for next one.

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD income and profitability were achieved. for the next five years, the legacy for Of course we didn’t manage to win domestic Rugby League is already CUP 2013 (RLWC2013) it, but the semi-final at Wembley is delivering. Commercial interest stimulated In any review of the year it would recognised by aficionados and casual by the World Cup is converting into be impossible not to start with the supporters alike to have been one of actual investment in the sport; viewer outstanding success of the RLWC2013. the truly great sporting contests. The and participation levels are higher than When the RFL won the rights to stage team have built a solid platform ever, as is support for major central events this tournament we were determined of young talented world class players such as , while some of to run the best ever Rugby League upon which to build the next generation. the talent employed specifically for the World Cup and if possible, to win it. Of the other nations World Cup have stayed on to take pivotal The organisation and marketing of exceeded all but their own expectations, leadership roles within the RFL. the tournament, from the conception, while ’s group proved to be, as planning and operational delivery proved expected, extremely tough. The co- FESTIVAL OF WORLD to be excellent and the tournament hosts, , will have been extremely elevated our sport for five to six weeks disappointed not to emerge from Group C CUPS 2013 (FOWC) in October and November to be at the but can no doubt take some consolation The FOWC occurred a little over 12 centre of the nation’s sporting psyche. from hosting the spectacular Opening months ago where the diversity and The tournament filled stadia around the Ceremony at the peerless Millennium breadth of Rugby League was celebrated country, both heartland and further afield Stadium under the closed roof. in style by the staging of five different as Rugby League touched more people While of course the financial success competitions. The Women’s World Cup than ever before. Virtually all of the of the tournament is for the benefit of the was played in and around tournaments Key Performance Indicators’ Rugby League International Federation and was won, against the odds by the (KPIs) covering attendances, viewership, (RLIF) and sets that organisation up Jillaroos, while the team charmed us in the Police World Cup before losing the final to . WORLD CUP The Students were edged SUCCESS out also by the Australian Students while in the Armed Services World Cup, the Serbian team won our hearts and minds if not actually any games in a superbly organised event in Colchester. hosted a truly vibrant Wheelchair competition featuring a sold out final where England so nearly recovered a large half time deficit to take the final down to the wire. Throughout the two weeks, we were reminded of the capacity that all areas of our sport has to promote positive values and messages together with, the spirit and fellowship Rugby League brings out and the power of international competition to engage across the country.

2 FESTIVAL OF SPIRIT AND FELLOWSHIP

PARTICIPATION of a new small sized game format for the RFL remitted over £3.5m to the RLIF. The year 2013 marked the first year Community Clubs. It is hoped that 2014 However, domestically revenues in the of the new funding agreement from will see both these offers implemented year continued to be under pressure as Sport England for the period 2013 to fully and expanded across the country. the tough economic climate continued to 2017. It was most pleasing to note that Another significant piece of work has tax all areas. the RFL’s participation targets were been to standardise the operational rules Despite the economic conditions exceeded, although the Active People of all leagues within the Community prevailing and most notably, as far as the methodology of measurement remains Game This has not been in place since RFL finances are concerned, despite the too narrow to capture all of our activity the early 1970s and I am delighted absence of a meaningful international in this area. Rugby League was the only to report that virtually all leagues calendar in 2012 and 2013 from which in England to grow in terms have committed to this process. This the RFL could directly benefit, the of participation in 2013 at age 16 plus. coordinated set of operational rules organisation has once again delivered There were also record numbers of adults will ensure we can make it as easy and profit. This is the 12th consecutive year and children playing the 13-a-side game enjoyable as possible to play the game at that a profit has been generated and in in organised leagues and clubs across a community level. truth has also represented probably the the community. This would indicate We should note and congratulate most difficult set of financial challenges that the transition to ‘Summer’ Rugby BARLA on the celebration of their 40th to navigate through over the last decade. League was a popular decision in the anniversary in 2013. Too often external Nevertheless, the finances of the central Community game, although the RFL also comment seems to focus on some of organisation remain healthy and have continues to work with those who wish the historical tension and divisions that been particularly improved during the to play in the previous traditional season may have existed when BARLA was early part of 2014. and it is pleasing to note that the RFL not a member of the RFL and not what and are working closely has been done since the sport unified in PROFESSIONAL CLUB together on this aspect. 2003, by working together to get more This all has to be tempered with the players playing at a community level. FINANCES real challenges being faced by our many The RFL would like to place on records One of the more pleasing issues over Community Clubs to survive and thrive in their thanks to BARLA. I feel confident the past 12 months has been the a period of continuing economic austerity under the new chairmanship and considerable reduction of insolvencies or affecting club revenues and against an leadership of Sue Taylor, that BARLA, near insolvent events that the sport has ever increasing and competitive market will, along with the other members of the endured. for the attention of adults and young Community Board, help to grow the sport Further, central records indicate the people alike from other activities. quickly and effectively into the future. level of indebtness particularly to the The RFL significantly changed its offer taxation authorities and by extension for those playing the game at ages six to the central support from the RFL is 11 to increase the number of players for FINANCES at its lowest level for some time. The future years. The ‘Primary Rugby League’ Financially the RFL delivered a record hard work carried out by club owners, programme saw a new offer for children turnover in 2013. Of course much of executives and the centre in increasing to play the game in primary schools. that is attributable to RLWC2013. In club revenues and managing costs is Additionally, 2013 saw the piloting accordance with the staging agreement beginning to flow through into club profit

3 and loss accounts and improve the fi nancial landscape of the professional game. Nevertheless some clubs still faced fi nancial diffi culties in 2013 and we will need to remain vigilant if we are to capture those gains permanently, indeed improve upon them further. One of the Key Performance measures for the RFL Board of Directors remains the level of central revenue raised and invested either directly in the clubs or expended on their behalf. Next year it is expected to reach an all-time high of £11.5m (excluding ) which represents an increase of 570% over the past decade. MBE FOR

POLICY REVIEW As a consequence, Rugby League for International Rugby League. Following a wide ranging consultation has an opportunity in 2015 to embrace Domestically, expansion will take place process and extensive debate in which an exciting new league format where ‘bottom up’ as opposed to ‘top down’ and views from all sections were heard, the every professional club can see a clear while we will also pursue an expansionist game eventually determined that the pathway to make progress and where agenda, it will not be obsessive or Policy Review undertaken in 2012/13 resources are shared proportionately disproportionate to the needs of the was the appropriate way for the sport to around the sport. In addition youth and existing strongholds of the sport. proceed. academy football, which for so long has inclusion in the The review was triggered by the proved divisive, now has a clear direction 2015 fi xture list represents yet another consultation process undertaken by the of travel. important linkage between the traditional Board as part of the Watkins Review It is in all of the game’s interests to strongholds and the new opportunities of Governance and its far reaching engage more youngsters in playing the the rest of the country provides. recommendations identifi ed fi ve central sport and keep more of these youngsters Internationally, it is certainly true that areas for the RFL to address. These within the sport in the appropriately the RFL has been the dynamo that has being: organised competition frameworks to pushed the international game forward 1. Competition structures and game ensure that each and every child has the over the past few years. Not merely the integration; best possible chance to develop their outstanding delivery of the RLWC2013 2. and potential to the full. but also the strong, solid and consistent Promotion/Relegation; Despite the progress in this area it delivery by the RFL, instigated and 3. Club sustainability and the is true that we are merely scratching part funded Rugby League European appropriate level of RFL support for the surface. Primary Rugby League Federation (RLEF), that has seen Rugby clubs; has to develop and its principles League playing nations in the northern 4. Youth development and player expand to become the only option hemisphere treble over the past 10 years. production systems; for Rugby League up to age of 11. The RLEF has been an outstanding 5. Expansion of the sport and RFL’s Junior Rugby League between 12-16 success. responsibility for European Development. needs further reform to ensure that However, above all things, newcomers at these age groups are confi rmation of the competition structure Whilst much attention was inevitably welcomed and assimilated into teams for 2015 allowed the RFL to reopen focused upon the changes being and that players are not lost because negotiations with our major broadcast contemplated in the professional of the varied maturation rates that partners to secure an outstanding future league structure; the depth and breadth inevitably take place; Rugby League for the sport for the next seven years. of the Policy Review should not be between 16 -23 needs to be properly The enhanced revenues fl owing into underestimated. and comprehensively provided for Rugby League during this time provide It was, and is, unashamedly a incorporating different structures in which the professional game with every whole of game solution to meet the youngsters can participate irrespective of opportunity to plan accordingly with challenges of the totality of the sport. It their Higher or Further Education paths certainty and stability for the whole of is entirely right that individual parts of or the possibilities of professional playing the game to move forward together with the game: International, Super League, contracts. renewed confi dence. Championship and Community have The various policies contained within dedicated forums to discuss matters the Policy Review present an exciting of particular interest; but the co- route map for the sport to follow in the ACCOMMODATION dependency of each part of the game future but it is important to recognise that I am delighted to report that the RFL’s demands a joined up, inclusive strategy we are on the fi rst steps of this journey. offi ce presence at Media City in , where every individual contribution is The RFL has re-positioned its used so successfully during the World respected and recognised. expansion strategy and its support Cup, is being retained indeed enhanced

4 and going forward will be the exciting central hub for the sports marketing REPORT and media operations. In addition, the RFL has a permanent office presence in where Commercial colleagues are conveniently located to make Rugby League’s case with the major brands and FROM THE potential sponsors. Finally, of course Red Hall remains as a valuable asset on the RFL’s Balance Sheet, where all of the back office functions are discharged. CHAIR

A FEW KEY INDIVIDUALS I am delighted to introduce the League’s Annual Report for 2013 – and what a year it was. Looking back over 2013, one great event stands out, but it was Finally, while it goes without saying also a hugely successful period across the entire length and breadth of the sport. that whatever success the sport has We were very proud to deliver the best ever last Autumn, enjoyed over the past 12 months has which was a huge boost to the sport in this country and beyond. been a tribute to a great many people, Everybody involved in staging the tournament has every right to feel very proud of both employed and volunteers in every their contribution to its success. Ahead of it, the Festival of World Cups was another conceivable capacity. initiative delivered brilliantly. I would like to offer the RFL‘s 2013 was also important for other significant developments that I believe will congratulations to two recent recipients produce a long-term benefit for our game. The RFL began the process of structural of honours from the Queen’s Birthday change in order to prepare itself – and the sport as whole – to be fit for the Hnours list. Kevin Sinfield, the England opportunities and challenges of the future. captain, received a MBE for his The securing of a new broadcasting deal with our long-term partner outstanding contribution to the sport of from 2017-21 gives the game some financial certainty, plus more coverage of the Rugby League and Sally Bolton, an OBE First Utility Super League, together with the return of live action from the Kingstone for her services in delivering a successful Press Championship and League 1. It will be of substantial benefit to the whole Rugby Rugby League World Cup. Both awards League family. are extremely well deserved. I would also like to take this opportunity to publically acknowledge Maurice Watkins upon his retirement from the Board of the RFL after a sterling stint of 12 years. I am sure Council will need no reminding that the RFL’s Governance model and in particular its wholly independent Board of Directors is extremely highly regarded by Sport England and other agencies, as probably COMMERCIAL the model for other sports to follow, and PROGRESS it is because of the calibre of independent Non-Executive Directors such as Maurice that this view has both crystallised and We have also made significant progress on the commercial front, securing a lead been re-enforced. sponsor for Super League in First Utility. Other new partners to the game show that Throughout his tenure on the board, those outside Rugby League have a growing confidence in the direction we are Maurice has used his vast experience travelling. in Sports Law and his sound judgement We believe our new format for Super League, the Championship and League 1 in to guide and assist the RFL and its 2015 will make every minute matter on the pitch and off it and hopefully grow the Executive team. Maurice of course game. stepped into the breach when previous Back to 2013. And the sport enjoyed a great climax to its season with outstanding chairman Richard Lewis resigned, to finals in Super League, The Championship and Championship 1. deliver the highly respected Watkins It was pleasing to note in the Community Game that record numbers of people were Review of Governance which has shaped playing the game in community clubs, schools, colleges and universities. The launch the direction of travel for our sport. While of the revised Primary Rugby League programme, as well as the Play Touch Rugby the RFL’s Articles of Association compel League programme, will also ensure the game will continue to grow. I was exhausted Non Executives to retire after three just watching the Champion Schools Finals day! It was great stuff. terms, Maurice will always be a friend Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who makes Rugby to the sport and we are indebted for his League the great sport it is across the breadth of the game. I feel privileged to be part excellent service. of it and look forward optimistically to a positive future. It’s time for all of us to get on the front foot. Nigel Wood Chief Executive Officer Brian Barwick July 2014 Chairman The

5 THE RFL BOARD

BRIAN BARWICK From 1979-1998, he held a overseen the implementation management executives in Chairman range of senior roles at BBC of a formal grants protocol for British sport. n Brian Barwick was Sport and was responsible the first time in the history of His Rugby League career appointed independent non- for award-winning coverage the organisation. began 23 years ago in South executive Chairman of the of the BBC Sport portfolio, His work at the RFL has Yorkshire when he joined RFL at the beginning of 2013 including the summer and supported the development of Doncaster as a Development and has brought a wealth winter Olympics, FIFA the game both in the UK and Officer and he took up a of experience in sport and World Cups and outstanding Europe including working similar role three years broadcasting to the role. national events like the with broadcast partners to later at Sheffield Eagles. He has held a number of Rugby League Challenge ensure the widest possible In 1997 he was appointed senior executive positions Cup Final, Wimbledon, the audience for international General Manager and then including Chief Executive Open golf championship, the matches. became Chief Executive of of , Grand National and the FA Nigel joined the RFL the Sheffield Super League Controller of Sport at ITV and Cup Final. He was Editor of in 2001 and has held a club. Under his tenure, the Head of Television Sport at Match of The Day from 1987 number of positions in the club won the BBC during his career. to 1995. organisation, including Chief following the memorable He is a visiting Professor Financial Officer. Prior to final victory over at of Strategic Leadership at NIGEL WOOD working for the RFL, he was Wembley. The School of Management Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive of Super Ralph then moved to a at University and a n A Director at the RFL for League Club Halifax Blue Sox similar role at Huddersfield founding partner at the global the last 13 years, Nigel has and Deputy Head of Finance Giants for five years before sports and media consultancy been Chief Executive Officer for BBC North. He graduated joining the Board as a non- – Barwick Media and Sport. since 2007 and in May 2014 from the University of executive director and taking In his time as CEO of the was appointed Chairman in 1996 with a MBA on the role of Managing FA from 2005 to 2008, Brian of the Rugby League in Business Administration. Director of the stadium saw through the completion International Federation. Nigel played Rugby company Stadium of the new , His appointment to head the League for Bradford Northern Development Ltd. launched the Respect body which is responsible for and Halifax RLFC at junior The last decade has campaign and was involved in the development, governance levels and Huddersfield at also seen him take on a the appointment of two senior and organisation of the game reserve grade, together with directorship at Huddersfield coaches for the national team. internationally comes just a a number of seasons playing Town FC, where he helped He was also a board member few months after he helped Amateur Rugby League in the them to come out of of Wembley Stadium Ltd to deliver the most successful Pennine League. administration. He also and FIFA’s Legal Committee international Rugby League He enjoys spending his managed the Ireland national plus UEFA’s National Teams tournament of all time in his spare time at Brighouse Rugby League team from Committee. role as Tournament Director of Rangers ARLFC where he 1997 to 2002 and the At ITV, he was responsible the Rugby League World Cup assists with the coaching of Yorkshire Origin team in for all the broadcaster’s 2013. the Under-14s team. 2002. sport coverage, including the Nigel was elected Vice He was Managing Director 1998 FIFA World Cup during Chair of the RLIF in May of The Galpharm Stadium which the highest audience 2012 having worked in Chief Operating Officer and Project Lead on the £2m in the network’s history was support of the Federation for n Ralph Rimmer joined redevelopment in 2007 and achieved when 28 million a decade. He is Chair of the the RFL board last year also undertook a similar role people tuned in to watch Business, Finance and Grants and is one of the most on the £150m HD One Leisure England v Argentina. Sub-Committee, which has experienced development and Development. He acted as Management Consultant on the development, and similar initiatives at Colchester United FC and Salford City Stadium. A player with Ulverston ARLFC , Ralph captained the Liverpool University team and played at student international level before joining the Wakefield club, Stanley Old Boys.

6 MAURICE WATKINS CBE Non Executive Director n Maurice is one of the most prominent players in British sport and holds a number of key positions across Rugby League, football, swimming and greyhound racing. He is a director of the British Association for Sport and Law, Cricket Club, Regional Chairman of Coutts Bank, Chairman of Central University RFL and is Chairman of the of Great Britain, Frank Roberts Leeds Teaching Hospitals Hospitals NHS Foundation Rugby League European and Sons and First Milk Ltd. NHS Trust. Trust Charity and Chairman Federation and a member Bob brings a wealth of She also sits on the Board of Governors at Manchester of the Board of the Rugby knowledge to the RFL in of Sheffield Theatres and is a Grammar School. In 2011, League International commercial skills, cost control trustee and school governor of Maurice was made a CBE Federation. operations and strategic Hollybank School in Mirfield. for his fundraising role at the management from his vast hospital trust. BOB STOTT corporate experiences and is a A highly experienced The former director of Non Executive Director keen follower of team sports. television executive, she Manchester United is also n Bob has extensive was Controller of News and Chairman of Barnsley FC, experience in the highly CLARE MORROW Regional Progammes at ITV British Swimming and the competitive supermarket Non Executive Director Yorkshire. During her time Greyhound Board of Great industry, including 20 years at n Clare Morrow played a there, she also held the Britain. director level at Wm Morrison pivotal role in the successful position of Head of Sport and Two years ago Maurice Supermarkets plc, together bid to secure the staging of a was responsible for Yorkshire became RFL Interim with a successful period as the stage of the Tour De Television’s Rugby League Chairman and held this company’s Chief Executive. in Yorkshire this year, as she output. This included the position until the appointment He is currently a non- is Chair of the award-winning creation, development and of Brian Barwick. He executive director on the marketing agency Welcome production of the award- undertook a strategic review Boards of Leeds Building To Yorkshire. She is also a winning Rugby League Raw into the governance of the Society, the Greyhound Board non-executive director of the Series.

THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE BOARD COMMITTEES The RFL believes that there should be a formal and transparent The Board has established four specific committees, each with defined procedure for appointing new members to the Board of Directors. To terms of reference. Minutes of the meetings are circulated to and this end the Board established a Nominations Committee which will reviewed by the Board. lead the process for board appointments. This Committee is chaired by Brian Barwick and includes Nigel Wood, Bob Stott, Clare Morrow THE AUDIT COMMITTEE and Maurice Watkins. The Committee is responsible for nominating This consists of the three non-executive directors and the CEO. candidates to fill board vacancies for the approval of the Board as and This Committee is chaired by Bob Stott, and normally meets once when they arise. Before considering any appointment, the balance of a year and in addition to the Committee member is attended by skills, knowledge and experience on the Board is evaluated and, in the representatives of the external auditors and the Director of Finance and light of this evaluation, a description of the role and capabilities required Central Services The Non-executive Chairman, has a standing invite to for a particular appointment is prepared. In addition full consideration attend. The Audit Committee considers the Annual Report and Accounts is given to succession planning in the course of its work, taking into before submission to RFL Council for approval. The Committee also account the challenges and opportunities facing the company and reviews accounting practices to ensure compliance with accounting the skills and expertise that are therefore needed on the Board in the standards. In addition it recommends the appointment of the external future as well as regularly reviewing the structure, size and composition auditors for approval at the AGM, gives consideration to the scope of (including skills, knowledge and experience) of the Board and making past and future audits, deals with matters arising from the audit and recommendations to the Board with regard to any changes. reviews internal control procedures. All non-audit services provided by the Group’s auditors are considered by the Chairman and the Chief RISK MANAGEMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE Executive Officer and are reviewed by the Audit Committee where The RFL have had a Risk Management Control Group for a number of expenditure is above a set limit for this type of work. years. This group has reported into the Board since its inception, but in 2013 the Board decided that this group should be a formal Committee THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE of the RFL Board to further demonstrate the Board’s commitment to The Board of Directors consider it important to benchmark key staff risk. The Committee is chaired by Bob Stott and also includes the RFL’s against other businesses of similar size and against other sports Company Secretary and Director of Finance and Central Services, governing bodies. To this end, the Remuneration Committee meets Sue Allan; the RFL’s Head of Legal, Karen Moorhouse; an external as appropriate under the chairmanship of Maurice Watkins and also risk specialist from the RFL’s insurance brokers, Bartlett & Company; comprises Clare Morrow, Bob Stott. The Committee determines the and an external insurance specialist, also from Bartlett & Company. terms and conditions of employment for executive directors and agrees The Committee reviews the risks of the business and investigates the level of remuneration for senior managers whose earnings are in appropriate responses to the identified risks. excess of the committee’s prescribed limit.

7 WORLD CUP REVIEW A wonderful sporting spectacle attracts bumper crowds

The 2013 Rugby League season reached The direct economic benefi t to a thrilling and uplifting fi nale with the of hosting the opening ceremony was staging of the most successful World £8.5m; the semi-fi nal double header at Cup in the sport’s history. Wembley generated a direct economic The tournament featured 28 impact of £12.3m for London; and as a games at 21 venues over a fi ve-week result of staging the fi nal, Manchester period, and was watched live by more experienced a direct economic benefi t of than 450,000 spectators. It was £8.4m. also seen by an audience of 18.8 The fi nal at Manchester United’s Old million television viewers in the key Trafford was attended by a sell-out crowd territories of UK, Ireland, Australia of 74,468 – the biggest ever for a Rugby and . League international. From the opening weekend’s Matches at , Rochdale, double header at Cardiff’s Leigh, Hull FC, Avignon and Halifax to the sold posted the “house full” signs, and there out, record-breaking fi nal at Old was a biggest-ever crowd for a Rugby Trafford, the competition captured League game in Ireland when they the imagination of sports fans hosted Australia at ’s Thomond both across the country and Park. overseas. The tournament also reached new The tournament managed to both areas and attracted new fans to the take Rugby League to potential sport, with 14 per cent of tickets bought new audiences and re-engage by people gaining their fi rst experience supporters from past years, of Rugby League, while 38 per cent providing a signifi cant platform of ticket sales were to people residing for the sport to build and progress outside the north of England. further in coming years. Rugby League’s reputation as a family The bumper crowds and friendly sport was refl ected in the commercial success of RLWC2013 attendance statistics, which showed also allowed the tournament to that 73 per cent of people watched deliver a record fi nancial return matches as a family. One third (32 in excess of £3.7 million to the per cent) of the attendees were Rugby League International women and 35 per cent attended with Federation, which will aid the children, while two thirds (65 per cent) development of the international belonged to socio-economic groups game for several years to come. ABC1. When the RFL published Feedback from fans also saw a detailed review of the 12,500 people being inspired to begin competition, they were also playing Rugby League, or play more able to confi rm the signifi cant than they had done previously. impact that the tournament More than 30,000 people said they had on the towns and cities had been inspired to become involved that staged matches during its in Rugby League in some capacity, fi ve-week duration.

AUSTRALIA BEAT NEW ZEALAND IN THE FINAL

8 THE KEY SUCCESSES OF THE RLWC2103 MATCHES 28PLAYED AT 21 VENUES WITH A TOTAL ATTENDANCE OF 458,463 A NEW INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE RECORD CROWD OF 74,468 WAS SET AT THE FINAL AT HOURS 834OF TELEVISION COVERAGE IN FOUR KEY MARKETS OF UK, IRELAND, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND UK TV AUDIENCE OF 13.3M, WITH A PEAK and almost 14,000 people who had no impact of RLWC2013 stretched beyond OF 2.8M FOR THE previous engagement with the sport now the field of play thanks to hugely ENGLAND V NEW intend to become involved. successful arts, dance and education The event experience provided for fans programmes which touched the lives of ZEALAND SEMI FINAL at the matches was also highly rated, in thousands of young people. TOURNAMENT a comprehensive survey of those who “The success of RLWC2013 was made attended. Of those who responded, 91 per possible by the passion, the vision and BROADCAST INTO 114 cent rated their RLWC2013 experience the commitment of a great many people, TERRITORIES WITH A as eight or more out of 10, and 73 per including hundreds of volunteers, the WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE cent stated it was better than any other dedicated staff who worked tirelessly REACH OF 134M sporting event they had attended in the throughout the tournament and those past. involved in the host towns and cities. VIEWERS RLWC2013 Tournament Director Nigel “Above all the tournament came alive DIRECT ECONOMIC Wood hailed the overall success of the thanks to the supporters from the UK and competition. around the world who ensured that this IMPACT FOR THE HOSTS Wood said: “From the opening games great celebration of international Rugby beneath the closed roof of Cardiff’s League was enjoyed by all who came WAS £9.6M Millennium Stadium to the final at into contact with it.” the Theatre of Dreams, Old Trafford, RLWC2013 General Manager Sally DIRECT ECONOMIC RLWC2013 fired the imagination of Bolton was later handed an OBE in IMPACT TO CARDIFF fans and the wider public like no Rugby the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for (OPENING CEREMONY League tournament before it. her services to Rugby League, after “As a sporting spectacle, it was truly playing a key role in the success of the AT MILLENNIUM wonderful; I’m also delighted that the competition. STADIUM) OF £8.4M; TO LONDON (BIG HIT SEMI- FINAL AT WEMBLEY) OF £12.3M; AND TO MANCHESTER (FINAL AT OLD TRAFFORD) OF £8.5M FINANCIAL RETURN TO THE RUGBY LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION IN EXCESS OF £3.7M

9 AVERAGE 76 PER CENT SPECTATOR OCCUPANCY AT MATCHES PER CENT OF 14TICKET BUYERS ATTENDED THEIR FIRST RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH DURING THE TOURNAMENT PER CENT OF 38TICKETS WERE BOUGHT BY PEOPLE LIVING OUTSIDE THE NORTH OF ENGLAND PER CENT OF 92TICKET BUYERS ATTENDED AS A GROUP; 73 PER CENT WATCHED LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILY PER CENT OF FANS 32WERE FEMALE PER CENT OF 35TICKET BUYERS ATTENDED WITH CHILDREN PER CENT OF 65TICKET BUYERS WERE FROM THE ABC1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC RANGE PER CENT OF 96ATTENDEES AGREED THAT THE TOURNAMENT HAD ENHANCED THE PERCEPTION OF HOST TOWNS AND CITIES WERE THEY HAD ATTENDED A MATCH PER CENT OF FANS 91SAID THEY WERE EXCITED TO BE PART OF THE EVENT PER CENT OF 91FANS GAVE THE TOURNAMENT AN ‘EVENT EXPERIENCE’ RATING OF EIGHT OR MORE OUT OF 10

10 PER CENT OF 73SPECTATORS FELT RLWC2013 WAS BETTER THAN ANY OVER LIVE SPORTS EVENT THEY HAD ATTENDED BEFORE OVER 12,000 TICKET PURCHASERS WERE INSPIRED TO PLAY RUGBY LEAGUE FOR FIRST TIME OR PLAY MORE OFTEN MORE THAN 30,000 PEOPLE INTEND TO BECOME INVOLVED OR MORE INVOLVED IN RUGBY LEAGUE IN SOME WAY, OF WHICH 13,800 PEOPLE WHO HAD NO PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SPORT HAVE BEEN INSPIRED TO BECOME INVOLVED FOR THE FIRST TIME RLWC2013 INVOLVED OVER 650 VOLUNTEERS IN ENGLAND AND WALES. 52 PER CENT OF THOSE HAD NOT VOLUNTEERED PREVIOUSLY AND 72 PER CENT RATED THEIR EXPERIENCE AS EIGHT OR MORE OUT OF 10 PER CENT OF 83SPECTATORS SAID THE TOURNAMENT GAVE THEM PRIDE IN THEIR COUNTRY WHILE 77 PER CENT OF SPECTATORS SAID THE TOURNAMENT HELPED TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

11 SUPER LEAGUE REVIEW Dramatic fi nale to another thrilling season...

Wigan Warriors staged a remarkable so much for the character and the tough comeback – the biggest in Grand Final men that they are. history – to secure the Super League “I have seen these players come of on a dramatic night at Old age but I want them to be good players Trafford. and good men, and what satisfi es me is A crowd of 66,281 packed into the to see them having good family lives as Theatre of Dreams to watch Warrington well.” Wolves, who had fi nished the regular Huddersfi eld Giants, who had secured season in second place, meet a Wigan the League Leaders’ Shield with a week team that was aiming to win its second to spare in the regular season, fell victim major trophy of the year. to Warrington in the qualifying semi- And it was the Wolves who made the fi nals. stronger start, with three tries in seven The Giants, with Man of Steel Danny minutes helping them establish a 16-2 Brough, were outstanding throughout lead. Former Australian test winger Joel 2013. They achieved a top-of-the-table Monaghan opened the scoring before fi nish for the fi rst time in 81 years, while Simon Grix and England international English talent like and Leroy quickly followed. Cudjoe continued to blossom under the It appeared that Tony Smith, the coach coaching of Paul Anderson. who had brought their fi rst Leeds had the most accurate goal- title in 32 years back in 2004, was set to kicker in Super League, with captain repeat the trick with Warrington. The Wolves, who had not been crowned champions since 1955, looked certain winners after half an hour, only THE GIANTS for Wigan to climb off the canvas and ACHIEVED land their own decisive blows either side A TOP-OF- of half-time. Inspired by , the Harry THE-TABLE Sunderland award winner as man of the FINISH FOR match, ’s side battled back into contention. THE FIRST Green, Matty Smith and TIME IN 81 combined to allow Darrell Goulding to YEARS! crash over, despite the attempted tackle of and Chris Riley. Michael McIlorum further narrowed the gap seven minutes into the second half with a close-range effort before ’s try edged the Warriors ahead. Scores for Green and winger , playing his last game for the Warriors, followed in the fi nal quarter to start Wigan’s celebrations and bring down the curtain on another stunning Super League season. Wigan coach Wane said: “I can’t tell you how proud I am. I admire the players

12 STAGED THE BIGGEST COMEBACK IN GRAND FINAL HISTORY

Kevin Sinfi eld successfully landing 86.08 and Vikings per cent of his kicks during the year as both missed out on a play-off place the Rhinos secured a third-placed fi nish by four points, having each won 10 of in the regular season. their 27 league fi xtures. Bulls prop Nick BOASTED THE Like Huddersfi eld, the Rhinos were Scruton won the club’s player of the year HIGHEST AVERAGE eliminated from the Super League play- award, while Widnes coach ATTENDANCE offs in the qualifying semi-fi nals, but the will refl ect on another year of steady Headingley club was able to celebrate progress for his club as they continued to the highest average attendance in the establish themselves in the top fl ight. competition, with nearly 15,000 watching Local rivals Wakefi eld Trinity Wildcats their home fi xtures. and Tigers were split by only St Helens and Hull FC were eliminated one point. Tim Smith was outstanding for in the preliminary semi-fi nals. The the Wildcats, while Castleford recovered emergence of Adam Swift, who scored from a poor start by appointing Daryl 13 tries in 12 Super League appearances, Powell as coach – and the former Leeds was a high point for St Helens, while boss had an immediate impact at his new Hull FC’s was named Super club. League’s Young Player of the Year. endured a testing year Catalan Dragons and Hull Kingston while Salford City Reds, who fi nished Rovers completed the top eight, with the bottom, ended the year with a huge French side unable to provide a dream spending spree funded by new owner Dr ending to the outstanding career of Marwan Koukash, suggesting brighter Rugby League legend . times ahead. ’s tireless efforts gave Rovers fans plenty of reason to be optimistic about the seasons ahead.

13 TETLEY’S CHALLENGE CUP REVIEW A record 19th win for Wigan Warriors

Wigan Warriors claimed the Tetley’s down Shaul and dislodge the ball at the Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: “We Challenge Cup for a record 19th time after same time. had six players out there who probably securing a 16-0 victory over Hull FC in That set the stage for Wigan to once wouldn’t have played if it had been a front of 78,137 fans at Wembley Stadium. again lift the trophy that they dominated normal Super League game, but we It was two homegrown heroes, in the late 80s and early 90s, but not showed what character we have at this England internationals Sam Tomkins before Tomkins provided the perfect club. and Josh Charnley, who provided the fi nish to his Challenge Cup career. “We’ve been written off the last few decisive plays in wet conditions. Blake Green’s cross-fi eld kick weeks, so to come here and win at Wigan were already leading through in the fi nal minute appeared to be Wembley is tremendous. Iain Thornley’s fi rst-half try when young unthreatening, but Tomkins gathered “I’ve always emphasised to the Hull full-back found himself possession, stepped twice off his right players just how important this trophy is in open space after collecting Matty foot and scored to the left of the posts to our club and how proud we are of our Smith’s grubber kick. with 58 seconds left on the clock. history. Shaul, whose pace had been lighting It was a particularly sweet moment “But I can’t quite put into words just up Super League, looked a certain for Tomkins, who joined New Zealand how proud I am of the players today. We scorer as he raced away from the tiring Warriors at the end of 2013. He was made errors too but we just seemed to Warriors. instantly mobbed by his team-mates, manage it a bit better. And the thing that But Wigan winger Charnley somehow who celebrated in front of Wigan’s fans pleased me most was getting the ‘nil’.” found the energy to race back, and then while Pat Richards added his fourth goal Matty Smith was awarded the Lance produced the tackle of the match to haul of the afternoon. Todd Trophy for his man of the match

LEEDS RHINOS V

14 COMMUNITY 57 TEAMS WERE INVOLVED IN THE COMPETITION THAT BEGAN IN OCTOBER 2012

performance, but in truth there were 17 involved in the competition that began in Huddersfi eld Giants and Wigan knocking heroes for Wigan. October 2012. out Hull KR. The tough, uncompromising fi nal was a , the British London, Sheffi eld Eagles, Catalan different challenge for the Warriors, who Police and Sonics were among the Dragons, Hull FC, and had booked their place at Wembley with teams who took part in the fi rst qualifying made up the rest of the a 70-0 triumph over London Broncos in round. quarter-fi nalists. the semi-fi nal. By the time of the third round draw, The Broncos survived a diffi cult trip Hull FC’s semi-fi nal was a far tenser held in Oxford’s Iffl ey Road stadium and to the to edge out affair, with a BBC television audience conducted by actor Kevin Whateley, Sheffi eld, Hull beat Catalan, Warrington gripped by an enthralling clash with teams from Wales, France and England saw off Huddersfi eld and Wigan won a Warrington that was capped by Tom were competing to take their next steps one-sided match against Widnes to set up Lineham’s 80-metre try. on the road to Wembley. the semi-fi nal draw. Hull emerged 16-12 winners against the Two all-Super League ties were It was Wigan’s year in the Tetley’s 2012 Tetley’s Challenge Cup winners, but drawn in the fourth round, with Leeds Challenge Cup, but it remains a only after they survived a fi nal onslaught Rhinos securing a 28-12 victory over competition to showcase the whole of the in the last minute as Warrington piled Castleford Tigers while Hull Kingston Rugby League community. forward in search of a dramatic, late Rovers emerged 26-18 winners against St winner. Helens. It was a momentous year for the But both teams were to crash out in competition, with 57 community teams the next stage, with Leeds losing against

BATLEY BULLDOGS V GIANTS

SAM TOMKINS SCORING FOR WIGAN WARRIORS V WARRINGTON WOLVES AT WEMBLEY

15 KINGSTONE PRESS CHAMPIONSHIPS REVIEW Successive Championship titles for the Eagles

Sheffield Eagles became the first club Menzie Yere’s 46 tries in a season fourth consecutive season – only to to win back-to-back Grand Finals at this was a new mark, and the Papua New experience yet more heartbreak in the level after a gripping Kingstone Press Guinean international also passed knock-out stages. Championship campaign. ’s Sheffield career total They became one of two consecutive ’s side followed up their and equalled the tries in a game record victims of a play-off defeat 2012 win over (five against Leigh East in the Tetley’s to ’s Bulldogs, with the by overturning a 0-12 half-time deficit Challenge Cup). others being the week against at another In the same match, Dominic Brambani before. memorable Championships finals day at set new points and goals markers, while That defeat meant that Leigh continued Leigh Sports Village. he also eclipsed Aston’s records for a run of losing every single play-off It was the third consecutive year that season totals in the same two categories. game since their 2004 Grand Final Sheffield had reached the Grand Final, With the team setting a new success, although ’s side did and helped marked the end of an era at benchmark of 15 consecutive wins claim a record fourth Northern Rail Cup the club as they moved out of Don Valley midway through the campaign and triumph against Sheffield in July. Stadium ahead of plans for a brand new Mitchell Stringer crowned Championship Halifax were another club to fall facility in the steel city. Player of the Year, this was an short in the play-offs, losing at home The Eagles notched up a host of other unforgettable season for Sheffield as a to Sheffield in their qualifying semi- notable landmarks during the campaign club. final, though they did have one of the – including breaking or equaling eight Before the play-offs, Featherstone had competition’s leading players in stand-off club records. topped the league table for a remarkable Scott Murrell. Batley had finished in fifth place before embarking on their stunning play- offs run, which saw them account for Town before winning those golden-point classics against Leigh and Featherstone with drop goals from Ben Black and respectively. It was the first time successive golden point wins had ever been achieved, but the Bulldogs’ hopes of lifting the title ultimately ended in the second half of the Grand Final against Sheffield. Doncaster marked the last season in charge of long-serving coach Tony Miller by finishing sixth – an achievement that saw Miller named as the competition’s Coach of the Year. His on-field general and successor as coach Paul Cooke was nominated for the Player of the Year title. Rams also enjoyed a year of progress under rookie coach Glenn Morrison, who guided them to the semi-finals of the Northern Rail Cup, seventh place in the Kingstone Press BACK-TO-BACK Championship, and the second weekend CHAMPIONSHIPS of the play-offs. FOR Workington made the play-offs in their first season back in the sport’s second

16 Hornets buzzing after taking the Championship One crown ended a 91-year wait for silverware by claiming a thrilling victory over local rivals Oldham in the fi nale to a landmark season in Kingstone Press Championship One. The 2013 campaign saw three new clubs introduced to the professional game in development areas of the country, with , Oxford, and the University of Gloucestershire All Golds joining the competition. All three had signifi cant positives to refl ect on, but it was Rochdale who brought the curtain down on the season in their fi rst appearance in a fi nal since the 1991 Lancashire Cup. Oldham led 18-12 early in the second half but Ian Talbot’s side earned glory – and promotion – with a 32-18 triumph. Talbot said: “I’m very proud of the players. We went though some dark times tier, edging out local rivals Whitehaven, in the middle of the season. whose promising campaign stuttered “The doubters doubted and I took some stick, but I knew we had it in us to be with fi ve straight defeats in the closing up there challenging.” stages. Rochdale’s win meant they were promoted alongside league leaders North Both and Swinton Wales Crusaders, who secured 14 wins from their 16 league fi xtures. Lions recovered from diffi cult starts to Crusaders’ Jono Smith received recognition as the competition’s Player of the avoid relegation in the fi nal weeks, a Year, but Rochdale and were far from the only success stories in a feat also achieved by , revamped Championship One competition. despite one of the smallest budgets in the The three new teams all made an impact in their debut campaigns. competition. Hemel Stags and Oxford both qualifi ed for the play-offs in their inaugural The two sides that were eventually year in Rugby League’s third tier. The Stags, under the guidance of coach Troy relegated were Hunslet Hawks and York Perkins, won eight of their 16 league fi xtures to fi nish fi fth, while Oxford claimed City Knights, though both blooded a sixth spot under Tony Benson. host of talented young players who will Gloucestershire All Golds endured a diffi cult fi rst season on the pitch, but be key members of their sides as they were regularly competitive and laid important foundations that will serve them attempt to rebuild in Kingstone Press well for coming years. Championship One. also produced their best campaign yet, coming within 80 With a key role in the sport’s bold minutes of a place in the Grand Final after fi nishing fourth in the league table. new restructuring from 2015 onwards, Dylan Skee was the star for Joe Mbu’s side, topping the points-scoring table in and a new television deal with Championship One ahead of Oldham’s Lewis Sky Sports to look forward to, the Palfrey and Rochdale’s Paul Crook. Kingstone Press Championship will Thunder and South Wales continue to play a prominent part in Scorpions failed to qualify for the play-offs, the professional game in coming but their performances offered plenty of years. promise for the future.

ROCHDALE’S FIRST SILVERWARE IN 91 YEARS!

17 NORTHERN RAIL CUP REVIEW Centurions and Crusaders take the honours

Leigh Centurions further cemented their position as the most successful team in Northern Rail Cup history by claiming the trophy for a record fourth time in beating Sheffi eld Eagles in July’s fi nal. Guided superbly by man of the match Martyn Ridyard, the Centurions emerged 43-28 winners in front of a buoyant crowd at Halifax’s Shay Stadium. Sheffi eld led 16-14 at half-time and were highly fancied to go on to victory, but the dismissals of Leigh’s Steve Maden and the Eagles’ Liam Higgins early in the second half swung the momentum in the Centurions’ favour. Leigh pair and Anthony Bate touched down before the break, but scores from Matt Garside, Menzie Yere LEIGH LIFTED THE NORTHERN RAIL CUP and Misi Taulapapa ensured Sheffi eld were ahead. They scored fi ve tries in the fi nal The Eagles stretched their advantage quarter – through Tom Spencer, Sean further through Scott Turner’s try soon Penkywicz, Ryan Brierley, Tommy after Maden and Higgins had been Goulden and Littler’s second – to steal dismissed, but Leigh rallied in fi ne style. the glory in a dramatic fi nish. Leigh coach Paul Rowley said: “The game never got away from us, but I thought we got away from ourselves at one stage. “We were a little bit tentative in the fi rst half. We had a lot more in us, and so the pleasing bit going into the second half was that the score was pretty close.” The Northern Rail Cup fi nal capped a superb double-header that had also seen lift the inaugural Northern Rail Bowl. Coached by former Wales boss Clive Griffi ths, the Crusaders were too strong for London Skolars and fi nished 42-24 victors. Dollapi, Louis Robinson and Ade Adebisi Griffi ths said: “I’ve had some great crossed for the Skolars, while Tommy battles in my time in Rugby League but, Johnson, Cristiaan Roets and Andy coming from where we have, this is a Moulsdale replied for Crusaders. fantastic achievement. It’s a great feeling But the Welsh side kicked on after to create a bit of history.” the break, with further scores from Gary THE INAUGURAL There was nothing to split the sides at Middlehurst, Rob Massam, Dan Birkett NORTHERN RAIL BOWL half time, with the scores level at 16-16 and Dave McConnell (two) seeing them WENT TO NORTH WALES after a tense opening 40 minutes. Erjon home.

18 PLAYER WELFARE POLICY Encouraging players to plan for a career post rugby

In 2011 the Super League clubs signed 2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES, STANDARDS a transferable record both within Super up to a player welfare policy. The focus AND RECORD KEEPING League and when players are transferring during 2012 was to ensure that key The RFL is commissioning research to and from the NRL. supporting partners were in place and into Player Welfare which will explore All clubs have now made a PWM accessible, the focus in 2013 has been on both players’ and Player Welfare appointment (a three day a week role) encouraging players to plan for a career Managers’ impressions and views on although some of those clubs only made post rugby and the focus for 2014 will be the implementation of Player Welfare dedicated appointments in the last few on achieving high standards and good at their club and will be carried out in a months of the year. practice at all Super League clubs with format which will enable year on year There are still different models of transferable systems. comparisons. This research should delivery across the clubs but the majority In general there has been an provide a good benchmark to judge the of PWMs are full-time employees at the improvement in Player Welfare across success of the policy at each club and club with another role (usually Football Super League with all clubs having assist in identifying areas which require Manager) in addition to their PWM duties. made a Player Welfare Manager (PWM) addressing. The RFL delivers training to PWMs appointment. Now that all clubs have It is hoped to introduce the NRL’s including the two day Mental Health made a PWM appointment, work will Player Welfare software across Super First Aid course and Introduction to focus on achieving high standards and League early in 2014. This will ensure Counselling. good practice in welfare provision across that player records are kept in the same The PWMs have met as a group the game, with quality outputs and format, measuring the same criteria at on three occasions during the year transferable systems. all clubs and provide each player with (February, May and September) with the

ONE OF THE MANY WORKSHOPS BEING RUN FOR PLAYERS

19 purpose of discussing relevant issues, A number of clubs have now adopted has included advice and direction, receiving presentations from welfare the drop-in format which involves having counselling, intensive therapy partners and sharing good practice. It a Yorkshire Bank Personal Finance (residential) and crisis intervention. has been agreed that a good practice Advisor at the club for a few hours so In addition to this, we have also manual will be written to formally share that players can have brief informal one- supported five staff members from good practice and set up minimum to-ones about any financial matter. clubs with emotional support needs. operating levels. The relationship with Sporting Chance n Educational seminars have been The RFL continues to produce and remains an important part of the Welfare delivered to eight first team squads, distribute the Professional Players’ Guide programme. The numbers of players club chaplains and at the training which reports on welfare initiatives bi- accessing the services have continued to day for the 18-year-old professional annually. rise from two in 2011, to 31 in 2012 and players. The Executive now meets quarterly around 50 in 2013 (up to mid-October). n We have now developed a body of with League 13 and members of the Colin Bland, CEO of Sporting Chance players and ex-players who are happy Executive have met with League’s said: ???to be associated with our services and Executive Committee. Consultation “Sporting Chance is pleased to be part act as advocates, role models and has been carried out with players on of the tapestry of services that make mentors. a number of topics including Policy up player welfare in Rugby League. n We are delighted that Tony Smith Review. We believe that our work has made a (Warrington Wolves) has accepted the The relationship with Yorkshire Bank meaningful difference to the individuals’ role as a Patron of the charity and is continues. There is a wide variation in lives that it has touched in the sport currently engaged in learning more the uptake of this resource by clubs throughout the year; our hope is that not about our services. with some making very good use of only do their families and clubs benefit the service on an ongoing basis whilst from their hard work but Rugby League Challenges ahead others have yet to deliver the basic as a whole. n Creating a sustainable financial workshops. Yorkshire Bank provides “We believe that Rugby League in structure - the last year has really private banking facilities at a much the UK holds the possibility of offering a shown the demand for our services, lower income threshold than its welfare system that is second to none in but we realise that there are budgetary competitors. Assistance with players’ the world and we are be pleased to be restraints - our goal is to create a personal financial problems can help part of that.” structure that ensures services and with accessing suitable mortgages and enables us to resource them. provides workshops aimed at players SPORTING CHANCE 2013 REPORT n We still find that certain club cultures at different stages of their career on n In the last year we have offered over are resistant to players acknowledging budgeting, investments etc. 50 individual players’ services, this difficulties.

THE LAUNCH OF THE PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN RUGBY LEAGUE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

20 WARRINGTON WOLVES SIGN UP FOR HIGHER EDUCATION n There is undeniably an issue with across the game. This has enabled the have left their club. The RFL continues prescribed medication within certain RFL to provide cost effective cross club to provide support for these players and elements of the game. We will focus education and training opportunities. it is hoped that as there is further roll future educational work on having a The majority of clubs have now had out of the Welfare Policy, more players larger section on the harms of this the careers workshops for their first team will have firm plans for their post Rugby usage. squad although there remain a number League career and have a more seamless of clubs who haven’t yet delivered these. transition. All Super League clubs, save one, have In the period covered by this report 119 Club medical staff have received now had the Sporting Chance Lifestyle players had a one-to-one session with a presentations from both Sporting Chance, workshop delivered to their first team careers advisor. The feedback has been State of Mind and the sleep psychologist squad during the last few months of 2012 very good and has helped players, both who delivered the insomnia workshops at or the start of 2013. in long term planning such as choosing CPD events. There is enough evidence to give rise education and/or training courses and in Following last year’s HBV positive, to serious concerns about the abuse of transitioning into the job market with help more clubs have taken up the HBV prescription drugs in the professional on CVs and interview techniques. screening and vaccination programme game. A draft Social and Non Prescribed The relationship with Warrington offered by St Helens NHS although given Prescription Drugs Policy has been drawn Collegiate has gone from strength to that this is a free resource the take up is up, been through a consultation process strength with a number of free courses disappointing. St Helens NHS also offer and been circulated to CEOs for approval. (European Social Fund) being delivered a Sexual Health workshop, again take up The RFL worked with a sleep on Wednesday afternoons. In addition has been limited. psychologist who delivered a workshop over 60 players have applied for RL The data collection for the first year of aimed at promoting good sleep Cares Education/Training grants. It is the Super League/University of Bolton techniques and encouraging players to clear that when players have had careers injury audit has now been completed. discuss these issues. All Super League advice they are more likely to plan for Clubs will receive a general and club first team squads have now had this their future after Rugby League and take specific report in January 2014. The presentation with one-to-one sessions up education and/or training options. majority of medical staff have provided available for players who need more Although all three elements to the good data although one or two have help. The psychologist also delivers a transition programme are in place there required considerable support from the sleep hygiene workshop to the 18-year- is still work to do in ensuring that players university staff. old players at their central PPCP day take up the opportunities and are well If 2013 has been about ensuring that each January in order to promote good prepared for life after rugby at the end all clubs deliver player welfare, the focus sleep habits before a player has the of their careers. The main problem in 2014 is to introduce a standardised pressures of first team football. appears to be players not accepting minimum level of delivery, an agreed As requested in last year’s annual that it is unlikely that they will obtain across the board standard good practice report, all clubs have now bought into a contract for the forthcoming season and transferable records held in the same the principle of a common afternoon off and being unwilling to engage until they format by all clubs and centrally.

21 “THE WORLD CUP REALLY PUT WOMEN’S THE WOMEN’S GAME IN THE REVIEW SPOTLIGHT FOR STANDARD CONSTANTLY IMPROVING A FEW WEEKS”

The 2013 Women’s World Cup provided a group match between England and New underpinned by a series of activities strong platform for further development Zealand at Featherstone, and although for girls from Under-12s to Under-16s, of the game in the UK. the home nation failed to make the fi nal, predominantly across Yorkshire and the The four-team tournament not only there was still much credit in defeat North West. pushed the women’s game into the in matches against the Kiwi Ferns and “Another key factor has been an spotlight, but also presented a tangible Australia. increase in the frequency of participation, aspiration for players in the domestic In the fi nal at Headingley Carnegie, with more games than ever before. competitions to aim for. Australia broke New Zealand’s “The standard of the women’s game With extensive additions to stranglehold on the competition by is constantly improving, and to further representative rugby made for 2014 winning 22-12 to lift the World Cup for encourage participation in 2014 we’ve onwards, National Community the fi rst time, while England beat France introduced an Associations Cup, Competitions Manager David Butler 54-0 in the third place play-off. including GB Teachers, GB Armed believes the women’s game will continue Domestically, another period of Forces, England Students and the to go from strength to strength. domination was ended with Thatto Lionesses, who sit below the main Butler explained: “The World Cup Heath completing a league and cup England Women’s side. really put the women’s game in the double over Bradford Thunderbirds, after “We’re also introducing a Yorkshire- spotlight for a few weeks. Featherstone Rovers had led the way for Lancashire Origin game and those “It resulted in the fi rst time that the several years. In Division One, Leigh East matches, plus the World Cup, have BBC had run coverage of the women’s beat Crosfi elds to take the title, while provided young girls and women with a game on the Rugby League section of defeated Featherstone in the transparent pathway to representing their their website, and attracted a number Challenge Shield. country at their chosen sport. of spectators that hadn’t seen women’s The Army won the annual inter- “There is now a very defi nite carrot for Rugby League before.” services competition in September. them as they push towards their goals of More than 1,200 people attended the Butler added: “All of that was playing in the next World Cup.”

ENGLAND BEAT FRANCE 54-0 IN THE THIRD PLACE PLAY-OFF

22 MATCH OFFICIALS DEPARTMENT REVIEW A year of change

The 2013 season saw some major changes in the match officials “THE END OF department, with former referee Stuart Cummings ending his spell in charge and 2013 SEASON being replaced by ex-player and Super STATS MADE League coach Jon Sharp. The full-time referees also moved from FOR EXCELLENT their Carnegie base to Red Hall, working under a new regime headed by Sharp READING and including former referees Ian Smith and . REGARDING THE Smith said: “We set about trying to improve the relationship between PHILOSOPHY the match officials, players and their coaching staff by arranging for the WE HAVE referees to attend contact sessions with IMPLEMENTED” Super League clubs at their training sessions during the week. IAN SMITH “This gives both the teams and referees the chance to interact away from the pressures of game day. This has been our philosophy of trying to reduce very successful in breaking down some penalty counts while keeping the ruck- stereotypical ideas of certain players and speed quick and allowing the game to officials. flow. IAN SMITH “This interaction with players and “The end of 2013 season stats made coaches is about moving forward with for excellent reading regarding the “Dissent has also dramatically reduced philosophy we have implemented. due to the fact that players are getting “The overall penalties per game was less frustrated with the officials.” reduced by two, dissent penalties had Smith added: “The move of the reduced by over 400 per cent, and the referees from Carnegie to Red Hall was ruck speed was slightly faster. We feel seamless, and all the RFL staff based at this is based on the fact that coaches and Red Hall made us feel very welcome. players are trying to work with us to keep And we have still kept a large foothold at the game flowing. Carnegie, as we still use their facilities for our outdoor sessions.” Smith also highlighted plans for further progression in 2014 and beyond. He said: “We’re going to implement a cadet system in 2014. We’ve identified 10 part-time match officials to work with the full-time group one day per week, and this will allow us to have more teaching time with the cadets to help them improve quicker. “With the opportunity to have our first full pre-season as a group, we’re looking JON SHARP STUART CUMMINGS to improve in 2014 on what has been a very good start in 2013.”

23 CHAMPION SCHOOLS REVIEW YEAR 7 TROPHY GOES TO HIGH WYCOMBE

The geographical spread of the RFL’s Champion Schools tournament was clearly illustrated at Wembley in 2013, as Royal Grammar School High Wycombe lifted the Year 7 trophy with an emphatic win over Castleford Academy. Played as a curtain raiser to the Tetley’s Challenge Cup final between Wigan Warriors and Hull FC, the match provided proof that the nationwide schools competition continues to help the sport reach new areas. Castleford Academy have been one of the strongest schools in recent years, but they were beaten by an impressive RGS High Wycombe performance that saw them run out comprehensive 44-4 winners. The RFL’s National Lead for the tournament, Tom Tsang, believes that seen plenty of success from schools in would have had to play through the High Wycombe’s victory is the latest the south and in Wales in recent years. qualifying rounds, Castleford would have indication of the Champion Schools’ “It demonstrates the opportunities come through local and regional matches strengths. that are there for young players, and with a lot of other traditional Rugby Tsang said: “One of the aims and hopefully those in the teams at RGS High League schools. visions of our department is to try to have Wycombe will stay in the game and help “It would have been a very tough route Rugby League played in every major to promote it. to get through, and although RGS went town and city in the country. “It was an outstanding achievement by through the same procedure of local then “The Champion Schools competition them to win at Wembley. regional matches, it was arguably against allows that to be possible, and we’ve “If you look at the teams that they teams from a less staunch Rugby League area. “So for them to then go and beat Castleford Academy, who had all those tough matches, is a tremendous achievement.” The other 2013 finals were played on the same weekend at Richmond Athletic Ground for the first time, having been staged in both Uxbridge and Bradford in recent seasons. Tsang said: “It was certainly a success, and all the feedback that we had from the schools, teachers and players was very positive. “Everybody enjoyed the day and again it worked well tying it in with the Challenge Cup final. “All the finals except the Year 7 boys took place on the Friday, with that game

24 1,535 TEAMS PLAYED IN THE BOYS AND GIRLS COMPETITIONS

then being the curtain raiser for the St Edmund Arrowsmith (Wigan), took part in the 2013 boys competition, Tetley’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley.” Castleford Academy (Wakefield) and and 213 teams and 3,195 players in the RGS High Wycombe were not the only Dowdales School (); clearly girls competition. team from outside the game’s traditional demonstrating the far reaching nature of Tsang added: “The Champion Schools heartlands to lift a title, with Kent’s Leigh the competition. competition provides a very visible way Academy winning the Year 9 Girls final. Open to every secondary school in of spreading the game. The girls section of the competition England, Wales and Scotland – the “In each area there is a transparent and continues to develop each season. tournament was re-launched back clear pathway for local schools to go all “The teams that are regular entrants in 2002 by the RFL and the English the way and potentially play at Wembley. really sing the competition’s praises and Schools Rugby League. “We’re spreading the competition all we are trying to grow it all the time,” Rugby League has seen an immense the time, and awareness of Champion Tsang said. “Certainly in terms of the growth in schools over the last few Schools continues to grow all the time.” standard of play the competition is years, and the competition has played a getting stronger.” vital role in introducing the game to an There were also wins for St Peters ever-increasing number of young people (Manchester), Honley High School throughout the . (Kirklees), Deanery School (Wigan), In total 1,322 teams and 22,474 players

25 UNIVERSITIES Impressive advances made in Student Rugby League

A clearly defi ned offer to universities across the country, an important restructuring of competitions and an appearance by England in the fi nal of the World Cup were just three of the impressive advances made in Student Rugby League during 2013. James Syzmik, the RFL’s higher education manager, played a key role in the continued development of Student Rugby League. He said: “For the fi rst time Rugby League has now developed a clear higher education offer for universities throughout the UK, and that came about after extensive work with institutions and Heads of Sport to see what’s important. “I can now outline to institutions LEEDS MET IN ACTION exactly what Rugby League can do, AGAINST EAST LEEDS or how an institution can engage with Rugby League, and we can develop all of representing your country at a Student Loughborough University in March at our work around that offer. Rugby League World Cup. Surrey Sports Park, Guildford. “For example, part of the Rugby “We’ve also placed a lot of emphasis And there was further success for League offer is a volunteering on mass participation, so the focus is not Leeds Met, whose second team won the programme, where people involved with just about the men’s fi rst team playing BUCS Trophy Final on the same day. Student Rugby League can access media on a Wednesday afternoon. At university A women’s competition was launched placements, events placements and level we now offer Touch Rugby League, for the 2013/14 season, with numbers other different opportunities within the Rugby League 9s and Women’s Rugby expected to show signifi cant growth in employability strand of our offer. League as well.” 2014/15. “Another strand of the offer is Rugby More than 1,700 student Rugby On the representative scene, England League’s representative programme, so League players were registered in 2013, reached the Student Rugby League if you’re a student – or an institute with with 65 teams taking part in nationwide World Cup Final, the Great Britain a talented player in your ranks – you competition from 52 different institutions. Pioneers toured Morocco, and England can see a clear progression route from Leeds Metropolitan University Women’s Students toured France as well playing for your region, through to your won their ninth consecutive BUCS as beating the Women’s Armed Forces country, through to the ultimate which is Championship Final, beating team to claim the Pankhurst Cup.

LEEDS METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY WON THEIR NINTH CONSECUTIVE FINAL

26 TOUCH RUGBY LEAGUE REVIEW A hugely important and very big growth area

A comprehensive new approach to Touch franchise does well, and tried to replicate Rugby League was designed, developed it in Touch Rugby League.” and tested in 2013, resulting in improved Parkinson added: “We tested and experiences for an ever-increasing pool of piloted the new approach at Orrell St players across the country. James, who generated £3,500 over the Working on a franchise model, the RFL summer through Touch Rugby League. developed consistent branding for Touch Once we’d demonstrated that it worked, Rugby League across England, ensuring we started to roll out a campaign in that minimum standards were met at September where people could become every venue in order to guarantee a Touch Rugby League licensees. positive experience for those involved. “Among the initial batch of 58 Dan Parkinson, the RFL’s Play Touch licensees were 28 professional of new players at Under-7s or Under- Rugby League Manager, said: “We did club foundations, and we had a 8s level, but Touch Rugby League can an awful lot of work in 2013 researching, big introduction and launch day at address the drop off that might occur preparing and testing a whole new .” later on. We’ve had brilliant stories about approach to Touch Rugby League. Parkinson believes that Touch Rugby people coming back to Rugby League “Our aim is to give players a League can form a major part of the who haven’t played for 20 or 30 years. guaranteed experience wherever they legacy from the 2013 Rugby League “We put a lot of effort into controlling play, and a lot of thought and effort has World Cup by targeting adults who used the environment, so that people don’t gone into ensuring players get the same to play full contact Rugby League, or have bad experiences. The feedback has kind of welcome at the registration desk, new fans brought into the sport because been fantastic and people have noticed that pitches look the same, and the of the success of the World Cup. the experience they’re getting, and in branding is the same – whether that be Parkinson said: “Touch Rugby League 2014 we’ll start work on our plans to on staff clothing, balls or any other items is hugely important and a very big really increase the number of Touch involved. We’ve looked at all the things a growth area. Every year there is an influx Rugby League sites for 2015.”

CONSISTENT BRANDING ON STAFF CLOTHING, BALLS AND ANY OTHER ITEMS INVOLVED

27 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

LeagueLeague Season Season SuperSuper 8s 8s Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 1st 1stvs vs4th 4th EVERY 1 11 11 WinnerWinner WinnerWinner 2 22 22 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 3 33 33 2nd 2ndvs vs3rd 3rd 4 44 44 first:utilifirst:utility ty 5 first:utilityfirst:utility first:utilityfirst:utilityfirst:utilityfirst:utility SuperSuper League League MINUTE SuperSuperSuper SuperleaguE leaguE leaguE leaguE 6 SuperSuper League League GrandGrand finaL finaL 7 8 9 MATTERS 10 The 2015 season will see British Rugby League 11 SuperSuper League League 12 PlacePlace Next Next adopt a radical new look, with the implementation The MillionThe Million Pound Pound Game Game SeasonSeason 4th 4thvs vs5th 5th of a fresh league structure, which will be unique in TheThe QualifierS QualifierSTheThe QualifierS QualifierS 1 the sporting world. It is the result of many hours 2 KingstoneKingstone 3 PressPress of research and consultation. BLAKE SOLLY, 4 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 st st th th 5 11 11 1 1 vs vs4 4 the General Manager of Super League, explains ChampionshiPChampionshiP WinnerWinner WinnerWinner 6 22 22 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 exactly how the new league structure was arrived 7 33 33 2nd 2ndvs vs3rd 3rd 8 44 44 KingstoneKingstone Press Press at and how it will work 9 55 55 KingstoneKingstonKingstoneKingston PressPress PressPress ChampionshiPChampionshiPChampionshiPChampionshiP ChampionshipChampionship shielD shielD 10 66 66 ShielDShielDShielDShielD

11 77 77 RelegatedRelegated to to 12 88 88 LeagueLeague 1 1 In 2013 the decision was taken to There has been much hype dispense with the concept of licensing surrounding this move, as the sport KingstoneKingstone Press Press and introduce a new system of embraces the biggest structural change LeagueLeague 1 Promotion 1 Promotion finaL finaL PromotioNPromotioN st st nd nd promotion and relegation, which would to Rugby League since the decision to 1 1 1 2 2 to theto Championship the Championship revolutionise the professional game in move the sport to the summer months WINNER WINNER 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 KingstoneKingstone Press Press this country. in 1995. 3 KingstoneKingstone 3rd 3rdvs vs4th 4th LeagueLeague 1 Play-Off 1 Play-Off finaL finaL PressPress A signifi cant period of research and The 2015 season promises to be 4 WinnerWinner WinnerWinner Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 consultation was undertaken into what one of the most exciting seasons of 5 st ndst nd th th fans, players, sponsors, broadcasters and Rugby League in the United Kingdom. 6 1 / 2 1 / 2vs vs5 5 7 LeagueLeague 1 1 clubs believe would increase interest in The changes to the structure of the 8 9 Rugby League. competitions will ensure that every 10 11 It was clear at the outset of this minute, of every match, matters. The 12 13 process that increased interest in Rugby return of promotion and relegation in 14 League would lead to more participants, a format that is fi nancially sustainable RugbyRugby League League 2015 2015 - Every- Every Minute Minute Matters Matters#RLNewEra#RLNewEra spectators and viewers, which in turn should ensure fans of the sport are would lead to greater revenues for the entertained from February to October, ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ sport to share amongst its clubs and with an exciting season punctuated by a players, in addition to funding further series of world-class events commencing growth and development of the sport. with the and fi nishing 12 plus the top four Championship clubs; The research and consultation at Old Trafford with the Super League and the features provided the RFL and Super League with Grand Final. Championship clubs fi ve to 12. three clear objectives for any restructure. Super League and Championship The Super 8s will be played on a Firstly, that there needed to be more clubs will each play 23 matches in seven-match mini-league basis, and games that “mattered” through the the regular season – home and away will largely determine the make-up of course of the season. against the other clubs in their respective Super League and the Championship the Secondly, that there needed to competitions plus Magic Weekend or following season. be more matches of equals, with . In Super League, all eight clubs are uncertainty of outcome between the At the end of the regular season, guaranteed top fl ight status for the competing teams. Super League and The Championship following year whilst the top four will Finally, promotion and relegation will split into the Super 8s, three groups contest a play-off series - 1st v 4th and should be restored, but in a sustainable of eight clubs based on league positions 2nd v 3rd, with the winner going through manner that allowed clubs to either build called Super League, The Qualifi ers and to the title-deciding Grand Final. for success or manage relegation from Championship Shield. In The Qualifi ers, the top three clubs Super League. Super League features the top eight after seven matches will play in Super The new league structure will deliver Super League clubs; The Qualifi ers League the following season with the on all of those objectives. comprises Super League clubs nine to fi nal place determined by the Million

28 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

LeagueLeague Season Season SuperSuper 8s 8s Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 1st 1stvs vs4th 4th 11 11 WinnerWinner WinnerWinner ◆ 22 22 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 ◆ 33 33 2nd 2ndvs vs3rd 3rd 44 44 Play-Off 1 League Season Super 8s first:utilifirst:utility ty 5 1st vs 4th first:utilityfirst:utility first:utilityfirst:utilityfirst:utilityfirst:utility11 SuperSuper League League 6 SuperSuperSuper SuperleaguE leaguE leaguE leaguE Winner Winner SuperSuper League League 22 Play-Off 2 GrandGrandPlay-Off finaL 1 finaLPlay-Off 2 7 33 2nd vs 3rd 8 44 first:utility POINTS CARRIED OVER first:utility first:utilityfirst:utility Super League SuperSuper leaguE leaguE Super League 1 Grand finaL 2 SuperSuper League League 3 PlacePlace Next Next 4 The MillionThe Million Pound Pound Game Game SeasonSeason 5 4th 4thvs vs5th 5th Super League 6 TheThe QualifierS QualifierSTheThe QualifierS QualifierS Place Next 7 The Season KingstoneKingstone 8 4th vs 5th PressPress TheThe QualifierS QualifierS POINTS RESTARTED AT ZERO Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 1st 1stvs vs4th 4th Kingstone 11 111 ChampionshiPChampionshiP Press WinnerWinner WinnerWinner 22 22 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 Play-Off2 1 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 1 Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 st th 33 33 11 2nd 2ndvs vs13rd 3vsrd 4 ChampionshiP Winner Winner 44 44 22 Play-Off 2 KingstoneKingstonePlay-Off 1 Press PressPlay-Off 2 55 55 KingstoneKingstonKingstoneKingston PressPress33 PressPress 2nd vs 3rd ChampionshiPChampionshiPChampionshiPChampionshiP44 ChampionshipChampionship shielD shielD 66 66 ShielDShielDShielDShielD Kingstone Press 55 KingstoneKingston PressPress 77 77 ChampionshiPChampionshiP RelegatedRelegated to to Championship shielD 66 ShielDShielD 88 88 LeagueLeague 1 1 77 Relegated to POINTS CARRIED OVER 88 League 1 KingstoneKingstone Press Press LeagueLeague 1 Promotion 1 Promotion finaL finaL Kingstone Press PromotioNPromotioN 1st 1st League2nd 1 2Promotionnd finaLWINNER to theto Championship thePromotioN Championship st nd to the Championship WINNER WINNER LOSER Play-Off1 Play-Off 1 1 2 KingstoneKingstone Press Press WINNER rd rd th Play-Offth 1 KingstoneKingstone 3 3 vs vs4 4 LeagueLeague 1 Play-Off 1Kingstone Play-Off finaL PressfinaL PressPress Kingstone 3rd vs 4th League 1 Play-Off finaL Press WinnerWinner WinnerWinner Play-OffPlay-Off 2 2 Play-OffPlay-Off 1 Winner 1Play-OffPlay-Off 2Winner 2 Play-Off 2 Play-Off 1 Play-Off 2 1st / 2nd1st / 2vsnd vs5th 5th 1st / 2nd vs 5th LeagueLeague 1 1 League 1

RugbyRugby League LeagueRugby 2015 League 2015 - Every 2015- Every - Minute Every Minute Minute Matters Matters Matters#RLNewEra#RLNewEra#RLNewEra ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆◆

Pound Game, a play-off between winner promoted to The Championship as The new structure is a hugely exciting the clubs fi nishing 4th and 5th. The champions. The loser of that match will initiative and the most sustainable way loser of the match will join the three join the teams that fi nished 3rd, 4th and of bringing promotion and relegation remaining clubs from The Qualifi ers and 5th in a play-off to determine the second back into Rugby League. The distribution six Championship Shield clubs in the promotion spot. of revenues to clubs will be done in a Championship the following season. The 14 League 1 clubs will also be way that allows the Super League clubs In the Championship Shield, the joined by the 2014 National Conference to improve their sustainability, and the top four clubs with contest a play-off League Grand Final winners and the 2014 clubs at the top of The Championship to series with the winners contesting the RFL Conference Challenge Cup winners compete in that middle eight. Championship Shield fi nal. The bottom in a new knockout competition to be The new structure will also reduce the two teams in the Championship Shield played at the start of the season. gap between the Super League and The will be relegated to League 1. To allow for the changes to the league Championship clubs, and means that The 14 League 1 clubs will each play structure, the top eight Super League those in The Championship who have 22 games – 11 home and 11 away, clubs will join the Challenge Cup at the aspirations of playing full-time Rugby playing each other once and nine sixth round stage, with League 1 clubs League have a real chance of fulfi lling teams twice with fi xtures scheduled on entering at Round 3, Championship clubs their ambitions. This structure also allows a geographical basis. At the end of the at Round 4 and the bottom four Super a safety net for those clubs leaving Super regular season 1st will play 2nd with the League clubs at Round 5. League.

29 RFL EVENTS DEPARTMENT REVIEW The busiest but most rewarding year yet

The 2013 season represented the busiest In between, there was a host of Then 66,281 were present at yet for the RFL’s events department, significant domestic events. Manchester United’s Old Trafford home with the calendar dominated by the For the second consecutive year when the Warriors completed a domestic Rugby League World Cup and including a the Magic Weekend was taken to double by recovering from a 16-2 deficit number of big matches and occasions. Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. to beat Warrington Wolves on Sky The 2012 campaign had marked the Over 60,000 supporters flocked to the Sports. start of a significant change in approach two-day event, proving popular with Jones said: “Building on the 2012 for the events department. established Rugby League supporters Grand Final, we once again worked with The sport’s governing body used and new fans alike. entertainment company Event360 who industry-leading company Event 360 to Jones said: “For the Magic Weekend delivered a co-ordinated, sequential build provide pre-match entertainment at the we were blessed again with fantastic up to kick off. game’s marquee occasions, ahead of a weather. “And while all this was going on, further partnership for the World Cup. “The Fan Zone outside the stadium the department were busy planning for That link-up blossomed in 2013, with was improved on the previous year, and the operational and broadcast delivery the two organisations working together we saw the Etihad Stadium become a of 28 Rugby League World Cup 2013 throughout the year. real partner in the event. matches.” The RFL’s Head of Events and “The on-field presentation, with the The World Cup undoubtedly provided Sponsorship Manager Rhodri Jones help of a raft of new Super League the highlight of the year, and saw the explained: “2013 was the busiest but commercial partners, ensured fans were RFL’s events department work in tandem most rewarding year yet. It’s not every entertained throughout the day. with the tournament’s own administrative day you have the opportunity to be “Sky brought us for the first time team. involved in the planning of a global ‘Spider Cam’, which added a new The tournament featured 28 games event. dimension to their already excellent at 21 venues over a five-week period, “The 2013 season started with a coverage.” and was watched live by more than packed house at Headingley Carnegie The domestic calendar’s two major 450,000 spectators. It was also seen Stadium which saw take the events also saw bumper attendances, by an audience of 18.8 million television spoils in the . lifting the sport’s national profile. viewers in the key territories of UK, “That set the year up nicely, with it A crowd of 78,137 saw Wigan Warriors Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. ending on similar theme with Australian lift the Tetley’s Challenge Cup by beating From the opening weekend’s double- dominance in the last game of 2013 on Hull FC at Wembley, a game screened header at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, these shores as well.” live on BBC1. to the sold out, record-breaking final at

30 Old Trafford, the competition proved a major success. It delivered a record financial return in excess of £3.7 million to the Rugby League International Federation, and the final at Manchester United’s Old Trafford was attended by a sell-out crowd of 74,468 – the biggest ever for a Rugby League international anywhere in the world. Jones added: “The World Cup was just a fantastic experience – from the Opening Ceremony at Cardiff, to a sold out Workington for versus Italy, and then those last few seconds of the England and New Zealand semi-final that saw the Kiwis win in such dramatic style at Wembley. “The tournament brought together both the RFL and RLWC2013 teams, and was a very rewarding experience for everybody involved.”

31 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Sarah Williams honoured

Rugby League further strengthened its position as a sport with Equality and Diversity at its core through a number of exciting initiatives in 2013. RFL Equality and Diversity Manager Sarah Williams, who was awarded an MBE in June for services to equality and inclusion in Rugby League, was involved in a number of developments during another busy year. The Canalsiders, the first LGBT Rugby League club, was constituted in January 2013. Based in Manchester, the club staged its launch event at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford and played touch rugby during half-time of a Salford City Reds fixture. A Canalsiders spokesman said: “For us, it’s not all about competition: we will love it when our teams win, but we’re just as

SARAH WILLIAMS WITH HER MBE AND (LEFT) AT 10 DOWNING STREET

32 enthusiastic about our groups that simply meet for fun. “We don’t differentiate between our members. Anyone is welcome to join us.” Sarah Williams added: “They’ve trained all year, and taken part in a range of events, with a view to joining the league in 2014.” Williams was also involved, as director, of the newly-formed Her Rugby League organisation – a body set up to encourage and promote more women to get involved with the sport. Williams said: “There are two main roles of Her Rugby League. One is about recognising and celebrating women who have historically been involved in RUGBY LEAGUE COACH the game, as well as those currently AMANDA WILKINSON involved, by raising awareness of the many roles that have been fulfilled by women in Rugby League. focused on the importance of respecting League World Cup an inclusive and “The second focus is on promoting and celebrating diversity, as well as welcoming environment. Rugby League and attracting women into challenging unacceptable language and “Included in the training course were thinking they could be chief executives, behaviour. things like being aware of what facilities coaches, match officials or any other Williams explained: “Contained within each stadium had, such as where the role. The organisation is developing and the pack is an assembly plan and four accessible toilets or baby-changing progressing all the time.” lesson plans that schools – or Rugby facilities were, and a consideration of Focusing on education, the RFL League clubs – can use to deliver the the needs of different faiths that may be worked with the Bradford Bulls sessions. All the required resources, watching the games. We tried to cover Foundation to launch a ‘Tackle It! such as the lesson plans, notes and everything a volunteer might need to Education Pack’ at an assembly in handouts, are available for free on the know in order to meet the needs of a Tong School, Bradford. Delegates from RFL website.” diverse audience, and the training was 13 European countries, taking part in a Extensive training was also delivered well received by all involved.” British Council Sporting Diversity Study to more than 600 volunteers working Finally, the Rugby League Facilities Visit as part of a British Council Youth In on the Rugby League World Cup at four Trust opted to fund Disability Access Action Project, witnessed the assembly. different locations – London, Cardiff, the Audits for all Kingstone Press The pack built on the previous DW Stadium in Wigan, and Hull. Championships clubs, with a view to development of ‘Tackle It!’ DVDs Williams said: “The training was improving their general facilities as well and posters, offering an education developed and delivered in order to show as giving an ‘action plan’ to each club programme to High School-aged children the volunteers how to make the Rugby that they could work towards. Williams said: “A lot of my time was spent developing this work. We extensively interviewed people as we THE HER RUGBY LEAGUE produced the disability guidance, and then negotiated an agreement with ORGANISATION IS A BODY SET UP Level Playing Field to help deliver the Disability Access Audits.” TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE When it comes to equality and diversity, there can be little doubt that MORE WOMEN TO GET INVOLVED the Rugby Football League remains at WITH THE SPORT. the forefront of sports governing bodies.

33 COMMUNITY Another year of considerable growth and progress

Almost 15,000 players either registered Participation and Strategic Partnerships, for those measurements was in October with Rugby League for the first time or said: “Rugby League had a great year in – meaning any further positive effect returned to the sport after an absence 2013 in terms of ‘Active People’, which generated by the World Cup is still to be during another considerable year of is the way the government measures calculated. growth and progress in the community increases in participation in all sports. “These figures meant Rugby League game. “We were the only team sport to show as a whole exceeded our Sport England In total nearly 37,000 registered an increase in participation numbers, target for the first year of the new Whole players regularly participated in Rugby proving that we had a fantastic year on Sport Plan, which is another fantastic League during 2013, with more than what is the overall national measure. achievement. The general increase in 10,000 aged between six and 12 years “The vast majority of that increase the number of juniors and adults playing old, more than 12,000 teenagers and comes from the full contact game, Rugby League shows that the shift to almost 15,000 players aged 20 or over. which is very good news, and what was summer across the community game is David Gent, the RFL’s Director of even better was that the cut-off point definitely proving its worth.” A particular focus was placed on Primary Rugby League – the area of the sport that caters for seven to 11 year olds. A three-month study conducted with research partners Leeds Metropolitan University - during which 180 hours of footage from traditional and modified Rugby League allowed the two versions to be objectively compared - resulted in the provision of a better experience for all Primary Rugby League players. Martyn Rothwell, the RFL’s Primary Rugby League Manager, said: “We wanted to look at providing children with a Rugby League experience that was more suitable to their development needs, with a big emphasis on skill and enjoyment. “Working with Leeds Met, we came up with a new format that aimed to provide every child with the opportunity to play all of the time, because we know young children are quite sensitive and need the opportunities to get involved. “The result is that every child is now playing and having more skill opportunities. We did a comparison of modified and traditional Rugby League at Under-7s, Under-8s and Under-9s, and found that the children playing modified Rugby League get three times as many skill opportunities in each game. It was a long and challenging process, but ultimately it was one that we feel will benefit the sport for years to come.” Eighty per cent of seven-year-olds who played Rugby League in 2012 continued to play in 2013, which put that age range at the top in terms of player retention. Considerable work was also undertaken in the student game, with DAVID GENT David Gent hailing a restructuring of Rugby League competitions that made

34 the sport “a more attractive proposition” But the growth was not just restricted for universities across the country. to the men’s game. Figures revealed ALMOST 15,000 He said: “The numbers are up on 87 per cent more registered women 2012, and a lot of that has been thanks players in 2013 than in 2009, while the PLAYERS EITHER to tying into the Extraordinary Rugby registrations for the girl’s game have REGISTERED League branding. grown by 37 per cent in the same period. “We also aligned with the British And now, after extensive work during WITH RUGBY Universities and College programme, 2013, all areas of the game are working so our competitions now get BUCS under the same operational rules. LEAGUE FOR points, and the result is more universities Gent explained: “We’ve never, in the playing Rugby League in order to help community game, all been operating THE FIRST TIME prove they’re the country’s best sporting to the same set of rules – but in 2013 university.” we managed to achieve that and get OR RETURNED The National Conference League also everyone signed up to one consistent continued to fl ourish, with a record- set of rules. It’s a great example of unity TO THE SPORT breaking 48 teams taking part during across the game in what has been a year AFTER AN 2013, while the regional leagues also of progress throughout Rugby League.” continued to show encouraging growth. ABSENCE.

35 SAFEGUARDING Empowering young people in the fight against gender-based sexual abuse and violence.

Staff from the Rugby Football League On their return to the UK, Eden and and violence in sport, how to recognise travelled to Austria in November 2013 Davidson trained the quartet of people the signs of this abuse, and how to report to receive training designed to help who make up the RFL Youth Panel – concerns. them deliver a major European project Natalie Carr, Ellie Smith, Jack Phillips Colette Eden, the RFL’s Safeguarding empowering young people in the fight and Jamie Elkaleh – in recognising Manager, said: “The RFL are proud to be against gender-based sexual abuse and sexual violence. part of this initiative, along with the Lawn violence. The RFL Youth Panel members now Tennis Association and led by Edge Hill The ‘Sport Respects Your Rights’ plan to visit clubs across the country to University, and we’re delighted with the campaign received €500,000 in funding spread the word after research suggested publicity the group has received. from the European Commission’s that one in five children in Europe “We look forward to taking the project DAPHNE III programme, and is being experience some form of sexual abuse. further within the game and truly implemented in six European countries It is estimated that in 70-85 per cent of involving young people in protecting - Austria, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, cases, the abuser is somebody the child themselves in the Rugby League Poland and the UK. The project is led by knows and trusts. environment. The group want all sports to SportUnion Austria and supported by the A special ‘1in5 selfie’ designed by get involved in the ‘1in5 selfies’ in order Council of Europe ‘1in5’ campaign, EPAS Elkaleh quickly spread across Rugby to help raise awareness of sexual abuse and ENGSO Youth. League and is now being used by other and violence in young people.” player Alex sports across Europe. Famous Rugby The RFL Youth Panel also established Davidson accompanied Colette Eden, League figures such as Josh Charnley, the #STOP1in5 Twitter campaign and the RFL’s Safeguarding Manager, on the Ray French and England captain Kevin have garnered support from Peter trip to Austria, where both were given Sinfield have all posed for the picture, Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, and Anne valuable training to bring back to the UK. bringing valuable publicity to the cause. Tiivas, Director of the CPSU (Child The RFL Youth Panel will deliver a Protection In Sport Unit of the NSPCC). series of sessions to young people that Youth Panel member Jamie Elkaleh will cover awareness of sexual abuse said: “We want to get people involved

36 “WE ARE TRYING TO GET MORE AND MORE PEOPLE TO DO A ‘ONE IN FIVE’ SIGNAL WITH THEIR HANDS, TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THE STOP1IN5 CAMPAIGN”

through Rugby League before painting a “We want to start by involving all the bigger picture. Spreading the message of Super League clubs before moving on the one in five campaign is only part of to the Championships and community our aim. clubs. If people have seen us at big “We want to encourage young people games then fans will recognise us from community clubs to become and will be more likely to want to get involved in the panel and let their voice involved.” be heard by the RFL. We are pleased The Safeguarding team welcomed with the initial response from the RFL the research conducted by Edge Hill and have met with chief executive Nigel University involving coaches and club Wood, Blake Solly, and many staff welfare officers. The research led by within the RFL who have committed to Dr Mike Hartill asked ‘How engaged/ supporting our work. activated are key stakeholder groups “The hope is that, by creating the within the Rugby League community Rugby League Youth Panel all Super towards the safeguarding and child League clubs, and then eventually protection agenda? There were many Championships clubs, will send young very positive responses about the support people to a panel, and they will be the offered by the RFL to community clubs representative voice of young people in with safeguarding issues. Rugby League.” This research will assist us in providing Fellow Youth Panel member Natalie further resources, education and support Carr added: “We are trying to get more to our clubs. We will be addressing and more people to do a ‘one in five’ all areas of the recommendations and signal with their hands, to show support have already begun to do this with the for the STOP1in5 campaign. establishment of the youth panel.”

37 RLEF REVIEW Continuing to push the sport’s boundaries

While the World Cup undoubtedly took centre stage in 2013, the Rugby League European Federation continued to push the sport’s boundaries across the continent and beyond. The RLEF completed the third year of a 2010-17 strategy that started in August 2010 and aimed to put participation, governance and a productive central body at the forefront of its work. For the first time, 2013 saw continental technical tutors trained by the RLEF graduating and beginning to transfer knowledge to their compatriots, while more European governing bodies received membership upgrades, displaying a strengthening constituent group with increasing capacity. The decision of the Rugby Football League to change its historic donor relationship with the Home Nations prospective donors for all future funding means that Ireland, Scotland and opportunities.” IRELAND ARE Wales will now work more closely than Kazandjian also reported promising ONE OF THE ever with the RLEF, while other key first years for a number of new countries, GROWING RUGBY achievements included the European with Hungary, Greece, Belgium and Commission accepting the RLEF’s Spain among the latest additions to the LEAGUE NATIONS European Leadership Devolution Project. RLEF. AND TOOK PART The ELDP aims to provide countries He said: “Our new affiliates reflect with homegrown leaders, with countries the added emphasis we have placed on IN THEIR THIRD like the Netherlands, the Czech Republic good governance, with all new observers WORLD CUP and Ireland providing shining examples of adopted by the RLEF in 2013 legal this already. entities according to local law. RLEF general manager Danny “The Hungarian and Greek federations Kazandjian explained: “At the end of the and the Belgian and Spanish associations improved through RLEF Ltd submitting its ELDP our Federation will be populated have all begun life as well-managed, statutory accounts to Companies House by a more confident and competent democratic bodies, which bodes well for to meet regulatory requirements.” group of national associations, whose their evolution. The RLEF’s influence also extends technical staff are well trained and who “Setting internal standards is a beyond Europe. have received between two and four fundamental aspect of governance, Kazandjian added: “For the sport as years of on-the-job experience. and experienced national governing a whole, the continuing maturity of our “Their governing boards will have bodies such as Malta, whose affiliate full members means strategic outposts in benefitted from the more stringent membership application was exemplary, important emerging markets. governance requirements introduced epitomise this Federation-wide push. “ and South Africa can by the RLEF, including a standardised “More and more, our members are advance Rugby League’s Commonwealth financial management mechanism; and, taking responsibility for raising their own ambitions, and Lebanon, whose equally importantly, a transnational internal standards as they are realising federation has faced an extremely culture of support and collaboration will this is necessary for them to succeed, difficult year under the strain of Syria’s be stronger than ever. attract and maintain participants and civil war and the violent ripples that “It also marks the fourth successful benefactors from the public and private have been felt in Beirut and Tripoli, application for EU funds from five sectors. is re-structuring and is well placed to attempts, and signifies the RLEF as “Centrally, our Federation seeks to set lead the drive for more Middle Eastern a reputable and reliable partner to a good example, and our governance has involvement.

38 “The RLEF’s burgeoning African activities also merit mention alongside the Middle East - surely two of the sport’s most promising emerging markets. “Ghana continues to grow – the first league championship kicked off this year - and is now joined by Sierra Leone, which has received funding from UK Sport International and the Welsh Assembly, as well as Olympic Committee recognition. “The interesting thing about such emerging markets – and we should include North America too – is that the sport has hardly scratched the surface in any of them, so the future promises a lot of progress.”

39 FESTIVAL OF WORLD CUPS Armed Forces, women, students, wheelchair and police

The 2013 Festival of World Cups provided a number of stunning highlights during two glorious weeks of the summer. Twenty-fi ve teams from 11 nations competed in 53 matches at nine venues to complete fi ve different World Cup tournaments. The world’s best in Armed Forces, women’s, students, wheelchair, and police Rugby League came together to produce a spectacular fortnight of non- stop action that showcased extraordinary skills and teamwork. Festival of World Cups tournament director Julia Lee said: “In 2008 the Festival of World Cups was staged at the same time as the men’s tournament, but it was decided that for 2013 they should be a stand-alone event in order to allow a focus of attention on the Festival in its own right and deliver a true ‘festival feel’. It was a decision that delivered very positive results in all respects. “The Festival attracted good media attention, provided an opportunity to talk about international Rugby League in general, and specifi cally raised the profi le of the men’s tournament. The good weather also improved the experience for the participants and impacted positively Cup Final, as well as highlights from the attended the matches at all the different on attendances at matches.” police, wheelchair and women’s fi nal. venues. The event culminated in an extensive Lee added: “The Festival was really “The women, student and police World 150-minute television broadcast of the well received by the communities in Cup matches averaged 1,000 spectators, Festival of World Cups Final Day. Premier which it was hosted, and one of the while the fi nals day at Headingley Sport TV covered the full student World highlights was the number of people who attracted 3,000 fans. Elsewhere the wheelchair World Cup attracted sell- out crowds for the England games and drew signifi cant interest to other fi xtures, and there were healthy crowds at the Armed Forces games, particularly at the Colchester Garrison show.” The wheelchair World Cup provided France with their biggest moment of glory. Having topped Group A, they then beat Wales 71-30 in the semi-fi nal before edging a tense fi nal with a hard- fought 44-40 triumph over England. Jack Brown was England’s outstanding talent, producing a string of performances AUSTRALIA BEAT that earned him selection in the World ENGLAND IN THE Wheelchair Team alongside three French STUDENTS’ FINAL players and an Australian. The women’s World Cup was

40 TEAMS 25FROM 11 NATIONS COMPETED IN FIVE DIFFERENT TOURNAMENTS eventually won by Australia, but it was ENGLAND their southern hemisphere rivals New Zealand – with player of the tournament WOMEN MET Honey Hireme at their core – that had FRANCE IN A looked set for glory. New Zealand won all three of their THIRD-PLACE group games, including a 14-6 triumph PLAY-OFF WITH over Australia, but were unable to AUSTRALIA maintain their form when it mattered most. Instead, Australia reversed the DEFEATING formbook to emerge 22-12 winners at NEW ZEALAND Headingley, with eight of the World Women’s Team coming from the two IN THE FINAL teams involved in the fi nal. England, who won 54-0 in a third- place play-off against France, provided four players while France’s Sinia Zaghodi was her country’s only representative. Australia also emerged victorious in the Police World Cup, infl icting a heavy defeat on Great Britain before holding their nerve with an 18-16 win against Fiji in the fi nal. But while Australia won the overall competition, Fiji’s Navitalai Ratulevu was able to celebrate being named Player of the Tournament. Great Britain, Australia, Serbia and New Zealand competed in the Armed Forces World Cup, which was staged entirely at Colchester Garrison. Serbia AUSTRALIAN POLICE struggled to compete with CELEBRATED VICTORY OVER FIJI their more experienced opposition, eventually bowing out in the Great Britain, who had fi nished the group semi-fi nals with a stage in second place, would have fancied 110-0 loss against their chances of reaching the fi nal, but Australia. they slipped to a 20-16 defeat against New Zealand. That left the southern hemisphere giants to battle for the trophy, with Australia eventually winning 32-22, helped largely by Player of the Tournament Dan Capilli. Eight nations competed in the Student World Cup, with Australia and New Zealand topping Group A while England and Wales were the semi-fi nal qualifi ers from Group B. A mouthwatering fi nal was set-up when Australia beat Wales 42-10 and England secured an 18-17 victory over New Zealand. Australian Shannon Orford, the Player of the Tournament, was key as Australia beat England 26-16 in the fi nal.

41 REVIEW OF FINANCES Turnover up 60 per cent due to World Cup

We are delighted to report that the RFL being no Autumn international activity by 80.8 per cent from the 2012 fi gure achieved its highest ever turnover of outside the World Cup. of £11,007k to £19,899k. This was again £34.8m in 2013 up 60 per cent from In a similar vein, there was a positive primarily due to the increased cost of £21.8m in the previous year. This is impact on Sponsorship Monies, which staging the World Cup. due entirely to consolidation with the not only saw a 42.6 per cent increase in Payments to and on behalf of clubs is accounts of the fi nancial performance these funds which rose to 2,149k (2012: made up from the cost of sales element of Rugby League World Cup 2013, £1,507k) but also saw a number of new of £2,459k (2012: £3,880k) and a managed and organised by the RFL sponsors being attracted to the game. further amount shown below Gross in 2013, which took place in England, Hosting the Rugby League World Profi t on the Profi t and Loss Account, Wales and France. This was considered a Cup brought the RFL into contact with a which in 2013 brought the total payable huge success both on and off the fi eld. number of Local Authorities. These new to and on behalf of clubs to £6,591k However, as the World Cup was a relationships had a positive impact on (2012: £7,775k). The reduction in the one off event, this will clearly skew the the grant income received which moved amounts paid was largely due to the year on year comparisons. Nevertheless from £7,734k in 2012 to £8,744k in 2013 discontinuation of payments to clubs as a result of the increased activity the thereby delivering a 13.1 per cent increase. for Community Rugby League Coaches turnover for the business of £34,810k This increase is particularly pleasing, as and Service Area Co-ordinators as per (2012: £21,846k) was the highest to date this fi gure also accounts for a reduction in the new Whole Sport Plan funding and represented a 59.3 per cent increase funding from Sport England of £1,783k in agreement with Sport England. in turnover. It should be noted however, the 2013 to 2017 funding cycle. The RFL has a policy of continuously that without the World Cup activity, the As with other funding streams, the monitoring operating costs. Whilst in year on year consolidated turnover would World Cup also accounted for a rise in 2013, these costs have increased to have shown a reduction from £21,846k to broadcast income which saw an increase £8,279k from £3,035k in 2012 this £19,385k (a fall of 11.3 per cent). This can of 91.9 per cent with income generated increase can be attributed entirely to the be attributed in the main to the reduced increasing from £5,166k in 2012 to staging of the World Cup, in particular funding from Sport England for the 2013 £9,916k in 2013. All other existing the cost of the Staging Fee for the to 2017 funding cycle, which accounts for RFL long term BBC and British Sky rights to host the World Cup of £3.5m 72 per cent of the reduced turnover. Broadcasting contracts continued in line Removing the World Cup expenses, the The staging of the additional games with previous years. operating costs for the core business as part of the Rugby League World Cup Within the RFL accounts, the cost of are £2,756k continuing the downward has been responsible for the signifi cant sales heading is broken down into two trend. This reduction is over a number of increase in match income, which rose sections. The fi rst being the external, expenditure lines. from £3,194k in 2012 to £9,285k in 2013. third party costs of making the sale and Once again, it is worth noting that In reality the World Cup match income the second being those costs of sales interest receivable by the RFL which accounted for £6,530k of this increase as that are internal to the RFL’s stakeholders has historically been a very signifi cant other RFL match income saw a reduction such as payments directly made to clubs. income stream was again low at of £440k year on year as a result of there External cost of sales increased in 2013 £71k (2012: £34k). Whilst the interest

RFL TOTAL REVENUE (inc. World Cup) NET RFL VALUE , , , , ,  ,  ,

£, £, ()

(,) , , , (, ) (,) ,  (,)     Year Year

42 43 receivable has improved, this was due The clubs will not only enjoy fi nancial to the increased income received by the stability during the next eight years but World Cup. The relatively low amount is the game as a whole will benefi t from a result of the general economic impact the investment made by Sky across felt from banks offering much lower every level, including a community game interest rates over the last fi ve years. sponsorship. Given the underlying economic issues 2014 should also see the sport and particularly the additional workload benefi t from the legacy of an exciting caused by staging the World Cup it is World Cup in 2013 as we engage with particularly pleasing to report that for the new spectators, viewers, participants twelfth year in succession the RFL has and commercial partners to the sport. posted a pre-tax profi t, on this occasion Commercial partners have stayed within of £172k (2012: £62k). the sport following the World Cup and new partners attracted to the sport by the FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS World Cup have been secured. Viewing Although there are some indications that fi gures for the sports premier competition the economy generally is slowly starting the First Utility Super League are 20 per to improve, there are still signs that cent up year on year while event goers household disposable income continues made the 2014 Magic Event the best to be under pressure with spectators attended to date. 2014 will see record being selective about the matches they sums attracted into and distributed around choose to attend. In addition, confi dence the sport by the RFL and Super League. within the corporate market is still Following the success of the switch somewhat fragile with discretionary to a summer playing season, the business expenditure in areas such as community game has seen more sponsorship, hospitality and advertising participants engaging with the sport than still proving challenging. Consequently, ever before. The RFL has aspirations for the professional club game is responding the Community Game to become less positively and the RFL centrally dependent on government funding in continues to provide such support and the future, whilst ensuring that activity fl exibility as it reasonably can. Centrally, at the grass roots level is maintained the RFL will continue to be fi nancially or bettered. The sport regularly sees stable, despite the economic situation. the introduction of new initiatives to The current broadcast contract with deliver this aspiration. One such initiative British Sky Broadcasting is due to expire introduced during 2013 was the Play and organisations who wish to directly at the end of 2016. However, at the start Touch Rugby League programme, affi liate. of 2014, a new contract was negotiated which encompasses a franchise model Looking ahead to the autumn of 2014, to cover the period 2017 to 2021 thereby generating additional income for the the international Rugby League calendar extending our relationship with Sky to sport whilst also increasing participation. will see the return of the Four Nations, beyond 30 years. The new contract, It is expected that this will see signifi cant which will be hosted in Australia and New which sees record levels of investment growth through 2014. In addition the Zealand during October and November from British Sky Broadcasting ensures relationship between the Community 2014. England RL will be looking to build that more matches than ever before Game’s many stakeholders and the RFL on the achievements of the World Cup will be shown live on TV with both will be further strengthened in 2014 to wrestle the trophy from Australia, Super League and Championship clubs with the roll out of a formal membership who were the 2011 champions in this benefi ting from the increased exposure. structure of the RFL for all clubs, leagues competition.

WORLD CUP TURNOVER RFL INVESTMENT IN THE SPORT , ,

, ,

, ,

£, £, ,

, ,  , , , ,

   World Cup  World Cup  World Cup   Year Year

44 In 2015 the sport will be undergoing development models to maximise the were identifi ed as being aspirational its biggest transformation since the benefi t that the World Cup legacy and in advance of the World Cup were move of professional Rugby League the more stable fi nancial environment comprehensively delivered against and to the summer in 1996. The Policy has brought. 2014 and 2015 promises consequently the tournament has grown Review which was the subject of much much for the RFL and for Rugby League. in stature, leaving a lasting legacy for the consultation with the clubs in 2013 will sport in the UK. see the re-introduction of promotion and SUMMARY The conclusion of a new Sky TV relegation; and the highly innovative The trading results in 2013 were once broadcast contract, provides stability league structure of two divisions of 12 again strong and continue to be despite through to 2021 for both the RFL and teams which split after 23 rounds into a the underlying economic climate. The its member clubs. Therefore, we are qualifying series comprising three groups RFL is extremely proud to have hosted extremely convinced in the RFL’s ability of eight clubs. It will also revolutionise the Rugby League World Cup in 2013. to continue to execute its strategy the sport’s player production and We believe that the success factors that through 2014 and beyond. We would like to close by thanking the clubs, volunteers, staff and everyone associated with Rugby League for their CASH BALANCES hard work and support throughout the , year. It is entirely appropriate to make special mention of the passionate support , and engagement of Rugby League fans old and new in this country, and from overseas, who ensured that the , , 

£, World Cup was a fantastic celebration of international Rugby League. The , tournament was enjoyed by all who  came into contact with it and in so doing  provided a wonderful platform to take the   sport forward for the next decade. Year

45 Consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31 December 2013

Note 2013 2012

£ £ £ £

Turnover 1 34,809,805 21,845,895 Cost of sales 2 (19,899,050) (11,007,441) Cost of sales – payable to or on behalf of clubs 3 (2,459,457) (3,879,972)

Total cost of sales (22,358,507) (14,887,413)

Gross profit 12,451,298 6,958,482 Payments to or on behalf of clubs and other member organisations 3 (4,123,977) (3,894,728) Operating costs (8,225,836) (3,035,286)

Administrative costs (12,349,813) (6,930,014)

Operating profit 101,485 28,468

Other interest receivable and similar income 70,666 33,807

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 172,151 62,275 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (97,809) (23,017)

Profit for the financial year 74,342 39,258

Notes 1 Turnover 2013 2012 £ £ Match income 9,285,312 3,194,196 Broadcast 9,916,057 5,165,908 Sponsorship 2,148,736 1,506,608 Government funding 8,744,197 7,734,184 Other 4,715,503 4,244,999 34,809,805 21,845,895

46

2 Cost of sales 2013 2012 £ £ Match costs 11,693,572 2,564,030 Grant funded activities 5,115,080 5,685,322 Sponsorship and promotional costs 525,566 280,641 Other 2,564,832 2,477,448 19,899,050 11,007,441

3 Payments to or on behalf of clubs and other member organisations 2013 2012 £ £ Awards to clubs 2,126,215 1,866,958 Awards to other sections of the game 243,413 292,779 Match officials 871,191 764,737 Insurance 501,422 551,775 Disciplinary costs and banned substances testing 222,479 266,578 Player Welfare 159,257 151,901 4,123,977 3,894,728

In addition to the amounts above, further amounts were paid to or on behalf of clubs relating to events or government funding. ›ese amounts are contained within Cost of sales – payable to or on behalf of clubs and are as follows:

2013 2012 £ £ Match costs 1,623,602 2,077,647 Grant funded activities 835,855 1,802,325 2,459,457 3,879,972

Total payments made to or behalf of clubs and other member organisations 6,583,434 7,774,700

47 Consolidated balance sheet at 31 December 2013

2013 2012

£ £ £ £ Fixed assets Tangible assets 3,176,948 3,381,322 Investments 1 1 3,176,949 3,381,323

Current assets Debtors 6,165,768 4,606,437 Cash at bank and in hand 7,702,688 4,807,933 x13,868,456 x9,414,370

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (15,556,607) (11,381,237)

Net current liabilities (1,688,151) (1,966,867)

Total assets less net current liabilities 1,488,798 1,414,456

Net assets 1,488,798 1,414,456

Capital and Reserves Revaluation reserve 456,591 456,591 Accumulated surplus 1,032,207 957,865

Shareholders’ funds 1,488,798 1,414,456

›e financial information set out above does not constitute the Company’s consolidated statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2013 and 31 December 2012 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 31 December 2012 have been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for the year ended 31 December 2013 will be delivered to Companies House following the Company’s Annual General Meeting. ›e auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and did not contain statements under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006 in respect of the accounts for 31 December 2013 or 31 December 2012.

48